RC and Richi Calimag have been in the same school before, slugged it out against each other in a different league, but never have the two brothers played in the same squad in the past.
Although it was a long shot before, the older RC is grateful to finally realize their lifelong dream of playing together in one team after they both transferred to NCAA to join perennial contender San Beda.
"Actually, ako lang talaga ‘yung lilipat initially sa San Beda nu’ng 2023 then parang he felt na gusto niyang mag-grow kasama ako," RC recalled in an interview with GMA News Online.
"So hinikayat ko siya, sabi ko pwedeng pwede ka maglaro dito. So sabi ko consider niya ‘yung San Beda. Pero nu’ng una ayaw niya kasi gusto pa niyang isugal ‘yung one year kasi syempre coach Pido (Jarencio)."
RC and Richi were once in the same school when they both joined La Salle Greenhills, but they never really got to play side by side as the younger Richi was still in Team B during RC's final playing year in high school in NCAA Season 95 juniors basketball tourney.
Back then, RC was the top scorer for LSGH, pouring in 20.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, but the Greenies fell short of the title after losing to, incidentally, San Beda in the semifinals.
He then decided to go to UP in college while Richi jumped ship to España, playing under then UST coach Bal David.
But the two would eventually part ways with their respective squads, setting the stage for their unlikely reunion in Mendiola.
RC was the first to pledge his commitment to the Red Lions, leaving University of the Philippines after two seasons that saw them win the title in Season 84 and reach the finals again in Season 85.
Richi, meanwhile, spent one year with University of Santo Tomas back in Season 85.
"Bago ko siya palipatin dito, sabi ko ‘di ba pangarap naman natin na magkasama tayo sa isang team’ so bakit ‘di natin totohanin kasi malay natin sa pros, magkalaban tayo," RC added.
"Ito may chance tayo and si Dad, nag-buy in din. Eventually, nahikayat na rin namin siya. But it was really hard for him to leave UST kasi napamahal na siya sa team niya."
While they are brothers off court, RC and Richi make sure they are still competitors inside of it.
"Masaya and at the same time, sa court bakbakan talaga kami. Inisan talaga, parang hindi nga kami magkapatid," RC shared.
"Si Coach Yuri at mga teammates namin ‘yung umaawat sa amin sa court because we challenge each other pero sa labas ng court, sabay kami kakain, sabay kami lalabas."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
