basketball,
Feature: Diego Dario: Playing His Heart Out
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| Diego Dario with the writer, his adviser and no. 1 fan, Prof. Dian Caluag. (c) Jib Fernandez |
He could turn basketball-ignorants to die-hard fanatics with just one game. He has conquered personal goals he only wished he could at his age. And he has kept his feet on the court despite the pace of the sport. It should be no surprise, then, if this pint-sized point guard of the Junior Fighting Maroons makes more unexpected things happen for himself, his team, and his country.
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| 10-Narra's special "graduation" rites for Diego Dario. (c) Jib Fernandez |
Currently in the United States for a three-week training, missing even his high school graduation, Diego Miguel Dario has constantly proven that when God wills it, anything is possible. He fondly recalls how nobody expected the Gilas Pilipinas Youth Team, of which he has recently been part, to finish as silver medallists in the FIBA Asia Under 16 2013 Series and to qualify for the FIBA Under 17 World Series in Dubai next year.
For someone who regards basketball as more than a game, Diego is continuously inspired to get better at this sport, to never be disheartened by faults, and to always be thankful for whatever it has given him along the way.
Starting Five
His basketball career started when he was five years old. His dad, who remains to be his all-time coach, has enrolled him in a MILO Best Basketball Clinic that summer and every summer hence. At that tender age, Diego has learned that basketball was not just a game to play, but a routine to love and a discipline to embrace. Since then, he and his dad has regularly devoted time for daily practices; they also used to be an hour or so earlier at training to practice on their own; and he has tirelessly joined barangay leagues to further improve his skills and gain experience and friends. Looking back, he acknowledges that it is the “extra” he has always exerted that enables him to keep up with the demands and pressure of his basketball career.
Scanning the Floor
Diego who stands a tall five foot seven is one of the shortest in his current teams. However, this height ‘disadvantage’ is compensated for by his speed, skill, and strategic thinking inside the court. He takes to heart his role as point guard, and brings to every game the drive to win not by words but through actions.
Fast Break
Diego has become part of several playing teams through hard work. In Grade 2, he got in his elementary school’s basketball team which only accepts youngest members from Grade 4. In 2010, after entertaining the invitation from the then coach, he tried out for the Junior Fighting Maroons. When he was accepted, he believed he started to realize his youthful dream of playing in either the NCAA or UAAP in high school.
Time Out
However, some events go off beam in his seemingly ideal life. He was particularly disappointed when, during his first year at UPIS, he was not lined up for the season. In another instance, he had to let go of the opportunity to join in the SEABA Series to be able to play for UPIS this year. Admirably, he has never considered these events as setbacks. He has remained focused in improving his skill, has learned to let these things go, and has always trusted that God has better plans for him.
He considers his stay at UPIS for the past four years instrumental in honing more his talent with the able guidance of his coaches and team mates; vital in encouraging him to extend the discipline he practices in court to his daily affairs; and significant in allowing him to meet people and build lasting relationships.
Long Shot
His talent has not gone unnoticed. He was invited by the Ateneo Eaglets coach to try out for the national team who will compete in the FIBA Asia Under 16 Series in 2013. From more than 300 aspirants countrywide, 25 were selected to be part of the training pool. After a rigorous work in summer, he was one of the 12 skilled and lucky boys chosen from the training pool to represent the Philippines in international leagues.
Free Throw
Diego considers it a privilege, more than an obligation, to represent the country. For this reason, he takes pride in what the Gilas Pilipinas Youth Team has accomplished for the Philippines. And it is also for this that he has enjoyed playing with people from different nations, making new friends, and surviving a challenge he has only dreamed of.
Overtime
Despite his achievements, Diego remains grounded in the knowledge that there will always be a room for improvement: “(I’m) still far from what I really want to be but I am very blessed to achieve this much and reach my dreams. More dreams to reach though! All for God!”
For him, popularity is not something that should get in the head – it is just a bonus that comes with any achievement. Even after several media exposure and recognitions for his skill, Diego reminds himself that these are motivations to get better. He wants to be remembered as someone who never gives up and who does his best in anything.
Though he would not trade anything for basketball, Diego has an equally high regard for education. He plans to take up Economics in college and become a businessman, in the footsteps of his mom. He is certain that when made to choose between studies and basketball, he would prioritize the former. An UPCAT qualifier, he is leaning towards playing for the UP Fighting Maroons to “give back to the school.”
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Diego is a source of pride – he is a focused player, an excellent athlete, a dedicated student, a disciplined young lad, and an obedient son to his parents who have instilled in him that he remains humble and focused on his goals however much he achieves.
And he owes much to people who never tire of backing him up no matter what: “Thank you for all the support. I feel very blessed and humbled. You guys also inspire me. I'll continue to do my best and get better. See you around!! God bless!”
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When in the future, this pint-sized point guard soars even more height than he already has, he assures that he will keep up the attitude that has brought him to where he is now.
go diegoooooooooooooo
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