THE ROOTS

In the Philippines, basketball is more than a sport, “Basketball is life!”Nearly every street corner has a hoop. And for many of us growing up, a basketball wasn’t just something we played with—it was part of our childhood, etched in every fiber of our being. Some afternoons after school, we play until the sun went down, often without proper shoes – tsinelas (flip-flops) or even playing barefoot. We even played inside our classroom making the space between the chalkboard and the wall our imaginary rim. We turned trash cans into basketball hoops. We would crumple a piece of paper, take our shot, and yell: “JORDAN!” OR “KOBE.”

Then a dream was planted, a goal was set, and I told myself that “One day, I will play on an NBA court.” It was a crazy goal because I do not have even a US VISA!

THE MILESTONE

Today, that childhood dream was fulfilled many times over in multiple different NBA arenas. By God’s grace, I’ve had the incredible privilege of playing on some of the most iconic NBA arenas —from the legendary Staples Center, to the United Center, to Intuit Dome, and other NBA arenas along the way. These are places I once only saw on television, places where I watched basketball legends make history.

THE LEGACY

When God opens these door for me, I hold it open for someone else too. Because I always believe that though it’s great to achieve my own childhood dreams, it is much greater to fulfill someone else’s dreams. The greatest legacy isn’t the number of NBA courts we have played on or the lifetime stories that we can share thereafter, but it’s the inspiration we leave and the imprint we have on people’s lives that matters most and the encouragement that everything is possible with God.

From the dirt floor to the NBA court is not only about my childhood dream came true but more importantly how God made it possible… and I am happy to share these opportunities with you, until all dreamers can be able to fulfill their dreams as well.

Dream on!

Ian Catolico, CEO, G300 NBA BASKETBALL