Former La Salle Green Archer JVee Casio. PBA IMAGES
La Salle’s championship celebration spilled over to the PBA with former Green Archers JVee Casio and Rico Maierhofer in a festive mood upon learning about their alma mater’s UAAP Finals sweep of rival Ateneo Wednesday night.
Far removed from their collegiate days, Casio and Maierhofer couldn’t be more proud of La Salle’s feat of winning the school’s ninth UAAP crown overall.
“I just heard, and of course I’m really happy because ‘Animo La Salle!’ Congratulations to the La Sallian community and keep it up,” said the Alaska Aces guard Casio.
“Of course I’m proud of the boys because I know the feeling. I’ve felt that before. I’m also proud of the whole La Salle community,” said Maierhofer, who is now with the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the PBA.
The two were integral parts of the La Salle team that won the championship in 2007, but failed to defend their title the next year after getting swept by the Blue Eagles.
Casio feels he finally got vindication with La Salle returning the favor eight years later.
“I had [experienced facing Ateneo in the finals]. Unfortunately we lost, [but] at least they were able to get back at them,” Casio said.
Both agreed that it’s more gratifying winning a championship at the expense of Ateneo.
“It’s sweeter because it’s really a good competition when it’s Ateneo-La Salle. We’re pushed to our limits and playing in an Ateneo-La Salle brings out the best in us,” said Casio after helping the Aces beat the Batang Pier, 95-84, for their first win in the 2017 Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.
“The hype is bigger every time we’re up against Ateneo because we all know what our rivalry brings and the competition in the UAAP is different and it’s really more about pride,” Maierhofer said. “The players are more hyped and even the alumni are competing against each other.”
Casio and Maierhofer are also on the same page when asked if their team before would beat the current DLSU squad led by the two MVPs in Jeron Teng and super import Ben Mbala.
“Of course [we’re going to win]. [We’re better than them] but whatever it is, I love my teammates before and I still love them now,” Casio said with a smile. “But, right now, I’m impressed with La Sallian players whoever they may be. Once you represent La Salle, I’m amazed and proud.”
“I’ll try to guard Mbala. But I’m really confident our team, JVee can beat them. We play to win,” said Maierhofer. “But our time has passed and it’s their time now. Actually, that win by La Salle is for the whole La Salle community.”