MANILA, Philippines—About 6 years ago, a tall, gangling youth barely in his teens, stepped into the sports office of La Salle’s high school department.

He was accompanied by his mother who told the staff there that the boy was last enrolled at Philippine Christian University, but would like to transfer that school year to La Salle.

The mother said her son showed good promise as a basketball player and in all likelihood may follow the footsteps of his older brother who played varsity ball also at the De La Salle University. She said she brought his report card so he could take whatever entrance examination was necessary to get into the school.

The staff gave the boy one swift look then escorted the pair to the principal’s office.

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The mother handed the report card to the school official a bit shyly.

The principal examined the contents, then gave it back to the mother. He said the boy’s grades were too low, he cannot even qualify to take the entrance exams.

Mother and son left the school totally downhearted. The boy was unheard of for a long time.

Some years later, however, the boy would resurface in the UAAP wearing a blue uniform. By this time he had metamorphosed into an adult with rippling muscles and hairy legs. He had also grown in height and weight.

But a La Salle staff member recognized him as the boy who wanted to play for the school many years ago.

He now wonders if his school’s destiny would have been reversed, for this season at least, if the once gangling youth was accepted into the academe.

Highly instrumental in leading his team to the UAAP title this season, the boy, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, was voted most valuable player of the league.

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Three days after PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios announced the appointment of Yeng Guiao as head coach of the Philippine team that will compete in next year’s FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship, I called the man to congratulate him a second time.

I told Yeng that although a majority of the press had batted for his appointment, we were all taken by surprise when he materialized from nowhere and walked into the press conference just when Sonny Barrios was about to announce his name.

Yeng’s entry was met with loud cheers and applause, a clear indication that everyone approved of Sonny B’s choice.

I told Yeng I had never witnessed such excitement and positive reaction over the appointment of a national coach in such a long time.

Everybody was happy for him. Everybody wanted to be part of the team. Everybody wanted him to succeed.

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PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad was one of Yeng’s countless well-wishers.

Chino said he was very happy that Yeng was chosen. In fact, he said it would be a distinct honor if he could contribute in any way.

“Kahit kunin lang niya akong ballboy o waterboy, okay lang basta makatulong sa national team,” Chino said.

Yeng is very lucky to receive a deluge of support from different sectors.

Yeng said he is grateful to Red Bull, specifically team owner George Chua, for giving him the opportunity to prove himself as a coach.