By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Another upcoming Filipino-American superstar is set to dazzle the Philippines and join the national team.
Caelum Harris, a 16-year-old teen sensation hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, turned heads playing for the Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna.
The six-foot-seven swingman, whose family is from Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, was hailed eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas as he already got his Philippine passport at the age of 16.
Described as a high-leaping and athletic forward, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed that they will be adding Harris for their plans moving forward and is bound to join the program anytime this year.
“Coach Chot appreciates the high energy Caelum brings to his game, versatility, and athletic ability. Caelum is expected to be a mainstay of SBP’s long-term program as he develops into one of the pillars of the National Team even beyond the 2023 World Cup,” the SBP stated.
The SBP will be looking to add Harris in the future Gilas pool for the rest of the remaining tournaments including the buildup for the 2023 World Cup.
Aside from the FIBA tournaments, the SBP will also seek to field the youngster in the upcoming U-16 Asian Championship to be held in Kuwait this June.
“We’re very seriously building for the future and having Caelum is just the first step in this direction,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.
