It seems the world never runs out of basketball idols. They even get younger by the year. The latest to score high points in the hearts of young fans is 17-year-old Ateneo Blue Eaglet Benedict Manalo Jr. or BJ for short. BJ is eldest of three children (the others are Denise and Renzo) by Benedict Manalo Sr., a civil structural engineer and his wife, the former Odette de Jesus. This early in the game, the six-foot-tall prince of the hard court has quite a following in the UAAP junior basketball league. His extraordinary talent for the sport has not gone unnoticed among those in the know that as early as now, BJ has already received offers from both pro and semi-pro basketball teams. For those who have been wanting to learn more about the guy, here's some BJ trivia : *Favorite food: Pasta, particularly carbonara *Music: Disco, techno *Band: Boyz II Men *Perfume: Issey Miyake *Pastime: Playing video games, watching movies then having coffee at Starbucks apres. *Idols: Michael Jordan, Alvin Patrimonio and Johnny Abarrientos *Fashion statement (outside of his jersey and Adidas shoes of course!): Jeans, polos, tees and sneakers. Here's more: BJ likes girls who are unassuming. His ideal partner is one who will love him for what he is and not because of what he can become. He'd rather bring dates to places which are not too public. Sorry to disappoint you girls, but BJ has already found his significant other. "She's also an athlete, a varsity soccer and volleyball player and a member of the cheering squad, so more of less she understands the demands of competition sports, that's why even if we find it hard to be together, our feelings for each other have remained strong," says BJ who'd rather keep his girl's identity a secret. But before this article turns into a slumbook, let's get more serious with BJ. After all, he's not all looks and muscles. BJ's got a good head on his shoulders too. While most guys his age are out enjoying "gimmicks," BJ has already plotted the course of his life, at least for the first quarter. BJ's focus is concentrated on one goal: to play professional basketball after he gets his college degree. Should he be successful in the big league, he'll save his earnings, put up a business, and when he's stable, settle down and raise a family. "I'll probably be 24 by then since you get to earn a lot from basketball at a rather early age," he says. BJ is dead serious about achieving his dreams that he practically eats and breathes basketball. A major part of his day consists of practice, practice and more practice. He sees to it though that his dedication to the sport is matched by seriousness when it comes to studies. "I practice three hours a day after school. Then when I arrive home, the rest of my time is devoted to studying my lessons. When it's close to exams, I sometimes have to stay awake until two to three in the morning. Then I prepare to go to school at 5:30 a.m," says BJ. The grueling schedule is not viewed by BJ as a heavy burden. Always the positive thinker, he sees its positive side. "Being able to balance my time between my studies and my basketball training is a practical and valuable lesson in time management," he says. "I should maintain my academic standing because I have to finish a college degree. I know for a fact that being a professional basketball player is not a permanent job. I'll have to have something to fall back on," he adds. BJ hinted that the real estate business is what he intends to venture into someday. "My father is into construction, so I think it will compelement his business." BJ's preparation for pro-basketball started at a very early age. He learned the rudiments of basketball when he was seven and credits his grandfather Angel de Jesus for having introduced him to the sport. De Jesus coached the Mapua Cardinals when Alvin Patrimonio was still a member of the team. By the time BJ was nine, he always found himself at the bench together with his grandpa whenever the Cardinals were in competition. "It was very exciting, everyone was cheering, players were highly charged, the energy was so intense I couldn't help but feel it everytime I was there. I often told myself `One day I shall be a part of all that.'" True enough, BJ is now very much in the center of the action. By all indications, when he becomes a college freshman next year, he will probably be the player to watch out for in the UAAP . From there, pro basketball is just a dribble away. "When I was 10, and dreamt of being a pro, my ambition was to play in the NBA, but of course that's just in the realm of fantasy , reality na tayo ngayon of course so PBA or MBA, it doesn't matter. I also want to have more opportunities to represent the country in international basketball competitions," says BJ. BJ's first taste of international basketball was during the Asian Basketball Federation games held last year in India. "The federation has 12 member countries and we only placed seventh," recalls BJ who added that he was devastated. "When you've devoted months to intensive training and give your best and still it's not enough, that's really a bad feeling. Although one positive effect of losing is that it keeps you level-headed. So you think you're the best huh? Well, there's always someone better." Lest you think that BJ life just revolves around a rubber ball, he says that his Sony Playstation offers some diversion from time to time. He also watches movies, comedies being his favorite genre. While BJ takes good care of his physical body, he does not neglect his spiritual well-being. In spite of a hectic training and academic schedule, BJ has set aside time for attending prayer meetings of Youth for Christ, a Catholic organization of which he is a member. "Our parents are members of Couple for Christ. They taught us the importance of being close to God and to each other. We attend mass together every Sunday then go out as a family," BJ says. This kind of spiritual grounding is what keeps BJ very level headed. Popularity has never gotten to his head. In fact, it is difficult to coax him into talking about his talent for basketball. BJ would humbly tell you that always there is somebody better and that the important thing is giving your all. "Even if your opponents are seven feet tall and you know you don't stand a chance, laban pa rin! What is important for a player is to have a good heart and the right attitude. Kahit na alam mong underdog ka, you still give it your best and play to win." In the future, BJ plans to devote part of his time to hold basketball clinics for the less-privileged and out-of-school youth, his way of thanking God for the blessings he has thus far received. "I want to help them discover their talents and also impart to them value of sportsmanship and lessons I've learned from the sport. Who knows? Basketball could be the key to fulfilling their dreams. Some are able to help others through politics, others become doctors or lawyers, some through teaching, I intend to do it through basketball." |