Former Westbridge player makes waves in NCAA Juniors

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ruben Mardoquio, a former basketball varsity player in PAREF Westbridge School, Iloilo City, is starting to make noise in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) juniors division.

Mardoquio is currently eyed as an important piece for the Mapua Red Robins, especially that the team is undergoing a rebuilding process.

Playing the shooting guard position, Mardoquio is currently working his way as one of the most deceptive slashers in NCAA with a sweet jumper.

In an interview with Mardoquio’s former high school coach in Westbridge, Mr. Mathew Jan Montalvo, he said that Mardoquio has a lot of potential especially with the style of play in Manila and can adjust to any system quickly.

“May potential gid na nga bata sa Manila. Mayo gid nga bata disiplinado kag gawork hard gid na siya sa practice. IQ sa play system taas gid kag mayo gid ang individual skills,” Montalvo told the Daily Guardian in an interview.

Standing 5’11 and playing at the two-guard position, Mardoquio’s size and length oftentimes creates mismatches with opposing guards, taking advantage of his strong drive game and a decent jump-shot from the perimeter.

Aside from his NCAA stint, the Ilonggo hooper also plays for the San Juan Go for Gold in the Community Basketball Association Pilipinas.