THE PBA now has its own version of Philippine football’s Younghusband brothers Phil and James.
But Filipino-Australians David and Anthony Semerad are not just brothers, they’re twins, a rarity in the country’s premier cage league.
I don’t recall twins ever playing concurrently in the PBA. Noli and Jing Aldanese are the only twin cagers I know but they played in the Micaa, just before the advent of the PBA.
I’m not sure what the twin’s manager had in mind when he signed up the pair to a contract, but his direction initially may have been leaning toward a show biz and entertainment career for the twins.
And why not? They are both 6 foot 4, clean cut, hunky and depending on one’s taste may be considered better looking than the Azkals Phil and James.
Agent Villafria is certain he has contributed “a pair of certified hardcourt heartthrobs to the PBA.”
“David and Anthony are guaranteed to have their share of diehard fans on-site and even social media. Aside from their shooting and dribbling prowess, they also make heads turn with their smoldering good looks and magnetic personalities,” said Villafria who also informed us that the twins have done product endorsements and had some experience in television hosting.
“They make good TV hosts. I’m sure because I’ve gotten good feedbacks.”
As to the pair’s evaluation as basketball players, Inquirer had to seek out San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez who gave his former Red Lions impressive ratings.
“They’re both good—Anthony is a small forward while David is a power forward-center,” Boyet said as he described each twin’s skills and assets in details .
“I wanted to get them at NLEX along with the other San Beda Lions but the PBA’s D-League has a limit on Fil-foreigners and ours was already filled.”
David said they played for Zambales Builders instead which got eliminated early in the conference.
The Semerad twins have been residing in Manila for approximately five years and have only to enroll in six subjects each to get their college diploma in business management from San Beda.
Anthony was picked seventh overall by Globalport and David 10th overall by Barako Bull.