Kelly Coronel's father, one of his biggest supporters, did not get the chance to watch him play competitive basketball following his demise five years ago.
That loss, however, only pushed the 17-year-old aspirant even further.
Coronel lost his father to heart attack in 202 when the young cager was still discovering his passion for the sport. After his father's death, Coronel worked doubly hard and joined a number of amateur tournaments, which eventually paved the way for his arrival in the NCAA with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers.
While his father is no longer around to see him in action, Coronel stressed his memory is always in his heart and mind each time he sets foot on the court.
"Gusto ko po siya ma-honor kasi bitbit-bitbit ko ‘yung apelyido niya sa likod ng jersey ko kaya nagpupursige ako, at para din sa pamilya ko, sa mga kapatid ko na naiwan niya," Coronel told GMA News Online on Tuesday.
"May isang time po na sumali akong liga at nanood siya at kahit bangko ako, ang saya niya para sa akin. Sana proud siya ngayon."
Coronel is emerging as the next big thing for EAC behind their usual suspects EJ Castillo and Ian Cuajao.
Against the Mapua University Red Robins on Tuesday, the 6-foot-4 Coronel waxed hot from downtown, drilling five triples to finish with 24 points, five rebounds, and three steals and star in their 78-71 upset win.
Coronel, the third leading scorer for EAC in Season 100, revealed he is actually a late bloomer in basketball. Nonetheless, he is showing his potential all while honoring his father's legacy.
"Late bloomer po kasi ako sa basketball. Pagkatapos po ng quarantine, doon po ako nagsimulang dumayo-dayo. Dati hindi po ako sumasali sa mga liga," he added.
"Kahit ano ang pagsubok o hirap ng buhay, sabi niya sa'kin ‘wag susuko at mas piliin ko po na habulin ‘yung pangarap ko para sa pamilya ko at para magabayan ko sila."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
