Happy Birthday, Paul Velasco ( Aug 31 )

Happy Birthday, Paulino Velasco

PBA pioneer
University of Visayas Green Lancers guard
1-season PBA player
San Miguel Beermen sentinel

Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)

In basketball, a 5'9" would naturally fall under the category of a midget. And the only way he can prove that he has what it takes in bigtime caging is to play the game exceptionally well, and play better ball than the others of his height, or perhaps, better than those who are taller. Because without the needed extra-brilliance, he does not merit notice from the game's most critical followers. He remains a star who refuses to shine, an athlete in the wrong game, a mediocre. Getting that extra helluva punch to make the national team is 'tiny but terrible' Paulino Velasco, the 5'9" wonder boy from Cebu. Except perhaps from the few who had witnessed him play, Velasco, to most fans, sure was a surprise winner when the final 12 for this year's Pesta Sukan team was announced by the Basketball Association of the Philippines. Many wondered why a heady and tested Mike Bilbao was dropped from the final lineup in favor of Velasco, a player who had yet to prove his worth. Velasco over Bilbao? That was something hard to believe and accept. One official was heard as saying 'Bilbao didn't play well during the tryouts and Velasco was a revelation." When the Pesta Sukan boys had their first public appearance at the Rizal Coliseum against the Carriers for a series of tune-up games, many were curious on how Velasco fare, or better yet, how he plays the game. After the nationals lost to the Carriers and Tru-Orange, won over U-Tex, tied Presto and lost to the visiting US-NCAA All-Stars, everybody but everybody, was convinced that the BAP's choice of Velasco for the national team was no fluke. There was nothing doubtful about the young man's inclusion. He sure has 'it." Velasco over Bilbao? On second thought, why not? 'It would be unfair to compare me with Bilbao,' Velasco said, 'he has his own style as I have mine. He's good and experienced, maybe I'm just lucky.' Among his teammates, he is the only one who can be considered a newcomer. He has also the distinction of being the only candidate from the province who made it. 'These indeed have made me doubly lucky,' he quipped. Who is Velasco and what is he like? 'My friends call me Paul and I'm the third of the ten children, six girls and four boys, of Maximo Velasco and the former Candelaria Sanchez of Compostela, Cebu. I'm 21, born August 31.' This means that Paul will be celebrating his birthday in Singapore and he seems to be pretty excited about it. 'I wonder how it feels to celebrate one's birthday in a foreign land,' he stressed with boyish en: thusiasm. Paul is the younger brother of Tru-Orange's Willie Velasco. Of his brother, the curly-topped youngster said: 'He is my idol. There was a time when I did nothing but dream everytime I see him play. I dreamed that one day, I hope to be given the same chance to play in the big league too.' Paul started playing basketball under the watchful eyes of Coach Guillermo Baz. As a University of Visayas Baby Lancer for three years, he learned practically all the rudiments of the game from Coach Baz. 'I owe him a lot. He was a patient and hardworking tutor." Paul is a junior commerce at UV. 'After this tournament, I might resume my studies in Manila, at San Sebastian.' If he goes on with his plans, then it won't be a farfetched idea if he plays for San Miguel in the MICAA. He was recently employed in the company's Public and Personnel Department. You used to play forward, how do you feel playing the backline? 'Not much change really. In fact, the switch has been for the good. I can get hold of the ball oftener. And if my defense remains steady, I'll be of greater help to the team in offense which I had polished when I was still playing the wings." Do you have any favorite local basketball stars?