KWENTONG PASSION
JEFF DESTREZA: Passing the Torch to his Sons and Keeping the Basketball Dream Alive
Nov
By: Zerjosh Serrano and Paul Tamayo
We often see stories of parents passing their dreams and success to their children to continue the blaze of their family’s legacy. But sometimes, it is the simple gesture from these parents that sparks a child’s ambition.
This is just like the story of Jeff Destreza, a loving father with two sons who aspire to become basketball players, and a daughter who is beginning to be enamored with the sport of volleyball. Like many of us, Jeff started his passion for basketball when he was still very young.
Jeff was still in sixth grade when his friends invited him to play basketball. Since then, he started to develop his own skills and found himself playing in town leagues.
However, Jeff already saw the peak of his potential before it even began. So instead of pursuing an elusive spot to play for the University of the East Red Warriors when he was in college, he dedicated his entire college career honing his own craft.
Once a familiar face in town leagues, Jeff finally decided to hang his jersey up, and started to build his future away from basketball.
But what could have been a decision that should have separated Jeff from the sport that he loved for good, it was a simple gesture of influence on his precious sons that made a huge turn that changed their lives forever.
It was just a normal day back in 2014 when Jeff decided to pick up his basketball, lace up his sneakers, and take some shots as if they were all part of his regular routine. On that fateful day, Jeff casually brought his sons, XJ and Migs, on the court for a simple father-and-sons bonding. Well, who would have thought that the simple basketball routine would turn into something more meaningful?
XJ and Migs admitted that they learned to love the game on that exact day because of their father. Since then, basketball became a part of their lives and even their loving father found himself playing the game he once left.
“Natuto kami dahil sa kanya. Tinuturuan niya kami at minsan nilalabanan,” XJ said.
“Lahat tinuro nya sa amin, pati skills,” Migs added.
Now that XJ and Migs are already 13 and 12 years old, respectively, their goal is becoming clearer — to become great basketball players. With his sons having such great ambitions in mind, Jeff could not help but teach his sons the essence and fundamentals of basketball.
For Jeff, teaching his sons is some sort of mentor-mentee relationship. He always makes sure that his sons are learning the proper way of playing the game, and most of all, they develop the right attitude.
“Hindi ako mahigpit sa kanila. Pero tinatama ko lahat ng mali nila. I treat them na parang regular students, dapat open sila for corrections. Saka gusto ko makuha nila yung right attitude. Yung skills andyan lang yan, pero yung attitude dapat matutunan nila madala nila hanggang pagtanda,” Jeff explained.
His sons second the motion, claiming that their father taught them everything they know without being very strict. Their labour came into fruition as both XJ and Migs are already bannering their school’s pride and even played at Provincial and Regional level at one point.
Truly, the Destreza brothers already have a decorated career at such a young age, but what’s more amazing is that despite the dedication they pour into improving their basketball skills, they still know what their priority is — studies.
As kids with such a high ceiling in basketball, XJ and Migs still give extra attention to their studies. Their class standing will basically prove it, as they are consistent honor students, and are currently studying at a pilot section in a high school in Batangas.
After all, the kids’ enjoyment is a major key for this type of set up. Fortunately, with the help of their teachers and coaches, both XJ and Migs are seriously enjoying both studies and basketball, making it easier for them to divert their attention into two crafts.
“Choice din po talaga namin maglaro ng basketball sa school. Masaya po ang tinutulungan kami ng teachers and coaches namin,” XJ said.
“Masaya po kami and marami po kami nagiging kaibigan,” Migs added.
However, their father realized that what they currently do to improve their game is never enough to reach that ultimate goal, so he had to come up with another resort to help his kids reach their maximum potential.
Fortunately, while browsing through the internet, Jeff discovered Passion Sports, a well-known sports clinic founded by his college schoolmate and a one-time PBA champion, Rob Labagala. As a basketball fan himself, Jeff was able to witness some glimpses of what Coach Rob is capable of, thus, deciding to take the gamble and enroll his sons.
Well, his gamble paid off. After enrolling his kids earlier this year, Jeff witnessed drastic improvements. After all, they were taught all the fundamental skills of basketball and the essence of teamwork.
Both XJ and Migs claimed that their experience was excellent. They are delighted that they were taught by a former PBA player, and got the opportunity to meet new coaches and friends.
Moreover, whenever they experience something difficult since the current setup of the training is through online, their father is there to assist them further.
With the groundwork already laid for these two aspirants who want to become pro players someday, Jeff, being a proud father, excitedly looks forward to what the future holds for his sons. But on the other note, he still wants his sons to learn the limitations of their capabilities and set their priorities straight.
Nonetheless, Jeff always prays that his sons will accomplish their dreams whether on the hardcourt or in another craft. Moreover, he always advises them that they must not change their good attitude, remain humble, and not lose focus because of material things. After all, a good attitude is something that they could treasure even when they start a family of their own.
“Advice ko lang sa kanila na huwag magbago yung magandang attitude. Huwag magbago dahil sa pera or sa ano man. Dapat lagi sila maging humble kasi dala-dala nila yan hanggang bumuo sila sariling pamilya,” Jeff said.
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