From my Manila standard column Game winners August 27, 2010
There are 60 applicants this coming PBA Draft day on Sunday, all with their unique stories to tell, their adventures and hoop dreams intact. Getting their name called up and getting signed to the team is right now, their ultimate and most immediate goal. One applicant, Sean Anthony is keeping his fingers crossed.
Originally from Vancouver but went to McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, this Fil-Canadian guard is hoping that all the debate he had with his family about trying his luck in the pros would be worth it. He doesn’t want to be pressured to somehow uphold the family image, though he feels the need to. He doesn’t want to taint their good name. “It was a big family issue to come to decide. They don’t want me to put myself out there to be scrutinized.”
So what’s the fuss about? Well, Mr. Anthony is the nephew of the President of the Republic.
Sean’s mother is Angie Dee, the sister of Dodo Dee, who is married to Viel Aquino, the sister of P-Noy. Clear enough? “I kinda wanted to keep it a secret”, but no secret in the PBA is safe with me (right Coach Tim?). His father is of Scottish, Irish, and Polish decent… From Scotland went to Canada and met there… His dad went school here for 1 year and some friends from out here introduced them and matched them.
Asked if there are privileges that he enjoys by being a relative of the most powerful man from a highly influential family, he said “being somehow related to them is something I never felt the impact of until the inauguration. It was surreal to see all the support”.
He used to come to the Philippines every year till he was 13. But eventually, he got too caught up playing basketball and attending camps in the summer that he opted to stay stateside. He has fond memories of his childhood visits here including a vivid memory of them having dinner at the Aquino house in Times. He didn’t really make anything of it specially because he was 9 years old. Christmas mass and dinner with them was always fun, he recalls.
He also has memories of his uncle marrying Viel when he was 5. Because Cory was president at that time, they had major (major) security. He doesn’t recall the conversations he had with Cory but he does remember her giving him candy every time.
His uncle is happy for him and proud. “He’s always asking when the rookie camp games are and wants to go to the draft day to show his support” beamed Anthony.
He’s made a good account of himself in the draft camp so far. Many are impressed. Here’s a funny thought though, what if he gets drafted by the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados? He could play alongside his “uncle” (or future ex uncle).
During the interview, he donned a yellow wrist band and a black and yellow t-shirt. He says it was his way of showing support to P-noy. Come game time, he donned a black and yellow face mask too.
He played 1 game in the PBL- Liga league but his teammate accidentally hit his nose and fracturing it. It was his first time to play with the face mask during the rookie camp and found it hard specially with the sweat buildup. Good part about that though is that his vision is not impaired.
Asked about what his biggest asset he said “Being a defender and a player that plays with his heart.. I outwork people. I can help the team defend and fit into it right away instead of being just a scorer.”
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