Cebuano Basketball Star Henry Suico Earns Coveted Invitation to Elite Training Camp in Madrid
While the path ahead may still be long, the basketball career of Cebuano standout Henry Kristoffer Suico appears to be following a trajectory of steady success and remarkable opportunities. The native of Mandaue City, Cebu, has once again captured attention with another prestigious international invitation, solidifying his status as a rising talent in Philippine sports.
Another Milestone in a Promising Journey
This April, Suico, a graduating high school student and combo guard for the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, will travel to Madrid, Spain, to participate in an elite training camp. The camp is overseen by coaches who have previously trained renowned NBA stars such as Luka Dončić and the Gasol brothers, offering Suico exposure to top-tier coaching methodologies.
This invitation is not his first brush with international recognition. Back in May 2023, Suico was one of only three Filipinos selected for the NBA Academy Asia Development Camp in Singapore, an experience that significantly honed his skills and broadened his basketball horizons.
Proven Excellence on the Court
Suico's talent is firmly backed by his impressive performance in local competitions. He recently led the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles to their fifth consecutive championship, achieving a historic Five-Peat in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) league. Statistically, he ranks as the No. 2 player in the entire league, averaging an outstanding 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game.
His consistent excellence has not gone unnoticed, attracting offers from numerous universities in Metro Manila. However, Suico has yet to make a final decision regarding which school he will attend for his college career. What remains certain is that he will be leaving Cesafi to pursue his collegiate basketball journey in Manila, marking a significant transition in his athletic development.
A Unique Opportunity and Its Origins
At just 18 years old, Suico stands as the sole Filipino confirmed to participate in this specific elite training camp in Madrid. Many have expressed curiosity about how he secured such a distinguished invitation. Insights reveal that his former coach, Leo Casinillo, now based in Europe, played a crucial role in recommending Suico for inclusion.
Casinillo, father of two-time Cesafi high school MVP awardee LA Casinillo, is also from Mandaue and a former player for the University of Cebu. He previously conducted training camps in Cebu before returning to Europe and is well-acquainted with Alex Arcilla, the founder of the Bayanihan Elite Basketball Program in the United Kingdom.
This training camp is noted for its rigorous and selective nature, making it a challenging opportunity to secure. If all proceeds smoothly, Suico will become the first Filipino to ever participate in this prestigious program.
Focusing on European Basketball Style
While other Filipino prospects, such as Kieffer Alas, are training in the United States or attending Basketball Without Borders Camps in Australia, Suico's route is distinctly oriented toward Spain. This choice reflects a strategic focus on the European style of basketball, which emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and tactical precision.
This alignment with European techniques is expected to bring a new level of sophistication to his game, benefiting not only his college career but also bringing honor to Cebu. The local community holds high hopes that his return from Madrid will usher in enhanced skills and greater achievements.
Preparations and Future Prospects
Currently, Suico is in the process of securing his visa, with hopes for a smooth approval without complications. As he prepares for this transformative experience, supporters and fans alike extend their best wishes, encouraging him to continue his hard work and dedication.
Good luck, Henry. Keep up the good work!
