Andy Gemao, Jacob Bayla hope to give Fil-Am Nation first NBTC title

Fil-Am Nation Select-USA’s Andy Gemao in the NBTC National Finals. –NBTC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Last year, Fil-Am Nation Select-USA was unable to make history despite coming oh-so-near to the NBTC National Finals championship–a trophy that’s long been elusive for the basketball club.

Now that history may finally be reached with its stars Andy Gemao and Jacob Bayla leading the way.

After Fil-Am Nation’s close win against Batang Tiaong, 81-72, at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, Bayla reiterated that he wants to make “history” with Fil-Am Nation by winning its first ever NBTC championship.

READ: NBTC: Fil-Am Nation, Adamson set up clash for Division 1 title

“I’m hoping to win to bring us the trophy and make history because we lost to NU (National University) last year and I want to feel that championship moment,” said the highly-touted high school swingman.

“I just want to stay calm, composed and I want to play my role and my game. I need to step up so we can win the game. I want to win the championship and make history.”

Bayla came up big for Select-USA with 12 points and five rebounds, making star player Terrence Hill find his rhythm to end up with 18 points for himself.

But it wasn’t just Bayla and Hill who paced Fil-Am Select to a ticket to the Finals for the second straight year.

READ: Andy Gemao only Filipino in NBA BWB Global Camp

Former Letran Squire Andy Gemao was also instrumental for Select-USA with an all-around game of 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Like Bayla, Gemao is also laser-focused on gifting Fil-Am Nation and coach Chris Gavina their first NBTC championship.

“We’re still not content because we haven’t gotten our final goal yet. We’re still focused. We’re going to strive to get that win, we know that we’re facing the defending champions of the UAAP so we’ll really prepare,” said the 17-year-old high school sensation.

“We’re slowly building our chemistry, we have more communication now and we know the system of coach Chris. Even if we’re all skillful individually, he puts us in our places,” he added.

Bayla, Gemao and Fil-Am Nation will have 48 hours to prepare before the Finals where they will face the Adamson Baby Falcons steered by coach Mike Fermin.