By Waylon Galvez
Rising collegiate star Joshua Fontanilla of St. Clare Caloocan said he has not yet committed to any university but knows he needs to make a decision soon where to take his act next year.
St. Clare’s Joshua Fontanilla, right, with his father Jongge Asuncion, is expected to make a decision soon where to play next season as two UAAP schools are hoping to land his services. (Waylon Galvez)
“Wala pa naman po akong decision,” said Fontanilla, adding he is keeping his options open in an interview with The Bulletin prior to a weekend scrimmage at the Barrio Obrero Youth Athletic Association (BOYAA) basketball court in Tondo, Manila.
“Hindi ko nga po alam kung bakit may lumabas na ganun na meron na akong decision. Pero wala pa talaga.”
The 21-year-old Fontanilla did admit that two schools are pursuing his services – University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines – both from the UAAP.
Fontanilla said he has already talked toTigers coach Aldin Ayo and Fighting Maroons mentor Bo Perasol, but nothing is formal or final. With the UAAP still ongoing, there is enough time to discuss things separately with the two bench tacticians and find out their plans for him next season.
“May ilang months pa naman po yung UAAP, so tignan na lang natin,” said Fontanilla, whose primary concern is an opportunity to contribute and play, and develop his skills as well.
Transferring from one school to another isn’t new in collegiate basketball.
UP’s Ricci Rivero is in his first season with the Maroons after playing his first two UAAP years at De La Salle University. Robert Bolick, now a pro with NorthPort, initially played for DLSU but transferred to San Beda where he led the Red Lions to three straight NCAA championships.
CJ Perez had stints with San Sebastian and Ateneo but played his final two collegiate years at Lyceum of the Philippines University, helping the Pirates to back-to-back finals stints and won the MVP plum before Columbian Dyip selected him with the No. 1 overall pick during the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.
In the case of Fontanilla, his exploits at NAASCU and steady play in the PBA D-League got the attention of other schools in the UAAP. Arellano University, this season’s NCAA host, reportedly expressed interest but leading the race to land the combo-guard are UST and UP.
St. Clare’s Joshua Fontanilla, left, plays against his father Jongge Asuncion during a scrimmage at the BOYAA basketball court in Tondo, Manila. (Waylon Galvez)
Fontanilla said his parents, Jongge Asuncion and Judith Fontanilla, are with him through out this process, with ready advice with regarding his decision.
“Siyempre nandyan sila palagi giving me advice. Alam ko yung gusto nila is yung what’s best for me,” he said.
For his part, Asuncion, who played varsity volleyball for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the early 80s, said they will respect and support whatever the decision their son will make.
“Sa amin naman basta kung san siya mapapabuti, mabigyan ng chance talaga, and kung san sa tingin niya siya magiging masaya,” he said.
In his two years at St. Clare, the 5-foot-11 Fontanilla developed as among the top guards in collegiate basketball. He played a crucial role in St. Clare-BRT Sumisip’s title campaign in the PBA D-League Foundation against Marinerong Pilipino last month.
Fontanilla also helped the Saints win a fourth straight NAASCU title against Enderun Colleges.
“Ang laki talaga ng naging development ni Joshua sa two years niya sa St. Clare. Talagang trabaho sa ensayo, sa laro. Makikita yung pag-angat niya, yung improvement niya as a player,” said Saints assistant coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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