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Rollin’ With Roel
by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon (May 7, 2009)

He has proven his worth in the pro ranks, but he claims his younger brother also has game. PBA quality big man Reynel Hugnatan has proven himself worthy of Philippine Basketball’s winningest coach Tim Cone’s approval as one of the reliables on the Alaska Aces fold. He’s a four-time PBA All-Star and was the MBA MVP in 2003.

But another Hugnatan might just be filling the shaded lane in the pros, should he have a stellar PBL performance. Roel, the third of the brood of 4, is looking to pursue a dream that has been ingrained in him since he harnessed his natural gift in the sport of basketball in high school.

Back in West Negros University, as a sophomore, Roel buckled down to work to hone his baller skills. “That’s really where it all started”, he recalls. But two school years later, he was a prized big man of the Chinese Commercial High School squad of Iloilo which was still hung over on the James Yap fever. After the PBA MVP graduated, in came Roel, and Ken Bono who went on to win the UAAP MVP nod years later.

Moving to Iloilo meant a great deal for Roel, who left the creature comforts of home for the dorm life. But the sacrifices he made solidified his commitment to the sport. The Hugnatan-Bono combination was undeniably dominant as their teams won several championships in leagues around. They got discovered by then Adamson Head Coach Luigi Trillo whose squad won the University Games championship in 2002, and 1st runner-up finishes in the Father Martin’s Cup and the MICABA with Hugnatan, Bono, Cabahug and Alonzo amongst others in the roster.

Trillo recalls how he discovered Roel whose brother Reynel was already popular in the MBA. “Roel is more of an inside operator than Reynel who plays multiple positions. Roel’s more of a banger who fears no one”. Coach Luigi also shared that Roel is very loyal, respects the game and is very coachable. He has high regards for the 6’5” workhorse who chose to take make his own way without the help of his eldest brother.

Reynel also paved his own way to stardom, so he advises his 24-year old brother to work hard and earn his keep. Like Coach Trillo, Reynel also describes his brother as a big man big time banger who also shows flashes of ball handling capabilities. He lauds his brother’s guts and work ethic. “Sinasabi ko sa kanya na parating maging masipag kase sa PBA hindi lang talent ang kailangan. Dapat intindihin nya ang coach at maging desidido sya sa commitment nyang mag laro”.

Roel’s still enjoying a steady rise in the amateurs. He’s been with the Lamoiyan franchise since the Happee-PCU days that had Jason Castro. Roel’s been part of the evolution of the team who’s still famished for a championship title after 4 finals stints. In fact the only remaining personalities from his rookie year are him and team manager Bernard Yang.

“Parang bahay ko na ‘to”, states Hugnatan who’s looked upon to help keep everything in check. Roel serves as the leader and motivator for the young Licealiz squad as they take a crack at the PG Flex Unity Cup title in what many say is one of the most competitive conference in years.

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