Photo by Pia B. Guballa

Kiefer Ravena and Greg Slaughter are not the only players to have joined the Blue Eagles this summer. This is the biggest and perhaps one of the most talented recruiting class since the 1980s. Hailing from New Mexico, Filipino-American Chris Newsome and the highly publicized Nico Elorde from La Salle, are currently serving their residencies to be eligible for the Blue and White in the near future. But, beyond all the anticipated arrivals that have caused proverbial media noise and a ruckus in local basketball forums, are two experienced Junior UAAP veterans waiting under the wings, to burst onto the UAAP scene.

Gwyne Capacio

Photo by Pia B. Guballa

Five players that competed in the Ateneo-La Salle UAAP Junior’s Championships in 2009 went on to join the two giants of collegiate basketball.  Blue Eaglets Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal stayed with Ateneo while Junior Archers Nico Elorde and Arnold van Opstal stuck with La Salle. But one player, Gwyne Capacio, crossed planes, skipping over Taft to make the long trip to Loyola Heights.

“It’s kinda like moving to a new town. You’re really not familiar with the place, not familiar with the people,” he says.

Speaking of his decision to be a Blue Eagle, Gwyne says, “There are a lot of players at La Salle, and [a lot] play the same position as I do. So I would have some difficulty getting in the line up of [La Salle].”

It was a decision, however, that looked to have paid off. The summer saw the departure of three Green Archers due to the abundance of players with the same position. Among them was former teammate Nico Elorde, who will suit up for the Blue and White in the near future.

Gwyne actually enrolled in Ateneo last school year but redshirted his freshmen year and played for the RP Under-18 Youth Team. Missing a year of UAAP gave the forward playing experience that he perhaps would have not gotten in his first year as a Blue Eagle.

A 6’2’’ De La Salle Santiago Zobel standout, Gwyne is a member of an elite pool of second-generation basketball players. Just like Ravena, Elorde, Gab Banal and Jai Reyes, he hails from an extensive basketball lineage. His father, Glenn Capacio, is an ex-PBA All Defensive Team member and former coach of the FEU Tamaraws.

Nevertheless, Gwyne knows that such respect is only earned. “I still have to earn your respect. [I] have to prove [myself],” he says.

With an ex-PBA father to live up to, and as part of a very talented rookie class, Gwyne’s humble approach and hunger to make a name for himself is the biggest asset he brings to the Blue Eagles.

In this competitive basketball landscape, nothing is served on a silver platter—you have to work hard to win that spot.

“Especially after coming back from an injury, I need to work twice as hard to earn the trust of my teammates and my coaches,” he says.

Von Pessumal

Photo by Pia B. Guballa

More than a month ago, second-generation basketball star Kiefer Ravena, along with seven-foot transferee Greg Slaughter, bannered the Blue Eagles to a victory against San Beda in the opening game of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup. While most people were ecstatic with such riveting rookie performances, few noticed Kiefer’s long-time teammate Von Pessumal, who was riding the bench that day.

The freshman Communications major started playing ball at the tender age of eight, when he suited up for the Small Basketeers of the Philippines team in grade school. Introduced to him by his dad, basketball didn’t come naturally to him.

“I believe it was a combination of both proper training and support from my family and friends,” says the 18-year-old when asked how he had improved so drastically.

While playing for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets under legendary basketball mentor and multi-titled coach Jamike Jarin, Von developed an on-court personality worthy of the former’s eccentricity and flair. “He’s an excellent coach, but an even better teacher,” he says.

Away from the court, he still considers his parents as the most influential people in his life. His dad was his first mentor, coach and teacher. “He, together with my mom, constantly support me through everything,” says Von.

Despite making noise in the high school ranks, he took a step back due to a more popular teammate—a certain “phenom” making a much louder racquet as a UAAP men’s basketball rookie.

It is surprising to see how someone as talented as Von has accepted this role. “As much as I would love to have the spotlight, I also love winning,” he confesses. “If that means [giving way to] someone, then I’d be more than willing to do so.”

Akin to his idol Dirk Nowitzki, Von is imbued with a desire to win and an uncanny sense of humility. Though he may be overshadowed, he doesn’t see it as a hindrance. Rather, he uses it as motivation.

Perhaps his modesty is best exemplified with his selfless outlook. For Von, racking up the minutes on the bench is no big deal. After all, he will get better in time; even if it is just by giving it his all during practices so that his teammates will get better.

Come Season 74, it will be up to him to show us all just how important he can be.