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Pinoy’s US-based coach reaches the pinnacle of the trade after seeing a student drafted into the NBA
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Cristian Gopez has made every basketball coach’s dream come true with his student recently reaching the ultimate goal: making it to the NBA.
Gopez, who founded the United States-based Edge Basketball International, recently reached a milestone after one of his students, Onyeka Okongwu, was selected sixth in the 2020 NBA Draft.
In an exclusive interview, Gopez spoke with Philstar.com to share his experience mentoring Okongwu, who will play for the Atlanta Hawks in the upcoming NBA season.
“Onyeka was absolutely a special kid … When Onyeka came to our gym, we already knew from the beginning that he was going to be a great help to the team,” Gopez said.
Okongwu, 19, spent his early development in basketball with Gopez, beginning his journey with the Filipino coach at age eight.
Gopez shared how Okongwu’s trip with Edge International benefited not only alumni of the University of Southern California, but also other members of his camp.
“Being Filipinos, we don’t have the advantage in size temperaments, so having Onyeka at age eight or nine really helped us compete at a high level,” Gopez said.
“Throughout its development, there were many ups and downs … [but] it definitely became something special, “he added.
Okongwu was under Gopez’s wing until he reached high school, before the All-Pac-12 first-team member switched to a new organization at Compton Magic.
“I’m not going to sit here and take all the credit for his development, but I could say that we were the beginning of his full development at a young age,” Gopez said.
“Not just me, but the entire coaching staff at Edge International really put the time in not only developing the kids that were part of the organization, but also Onyeka during his time with Edge Basketball,” he added.
The Filipino coach, a cousin of the stalwart of San Miguel Beermen Alex Cabagnot, praised what he felt for the achievement of seeing Okongwu at the highest level of basketball in the United States.
“I’m proud of him, I’m proud of where he is today. It was definitely an emotional moment for me as a coach,” Gopez said.
“Every kid’s dream is to get to the NBA, but I think the dream of a coach producing one and being part of that journey is also every coach’s dream,” he added.
“It is definitely an achievement, not just for me but for everyone who has been involved in its development stages,” he said.
Gopez’s role in Okongwu’s journey remained constant even as the 19-year-old transferred to a different program, and both men remained close until Okongwu enters the NBA.
So much so that Okongwu’s mother even asked Gopez if he was ready for the NBA or not.
“We were able to see their game (Okongwu) against the state of Arizona … That was the night that [his] Mom asked for the blessing, “Gopez said.
“As a mother you want to ask all the people who were part of the success of your son … if his son was ready or not and at that moment I already told him that this is a great opportunity,” he added.
“I knew I was going to be in the Top 10 and Top 8 selections,”
The Filipino coach, who also runs an organization called Fil-Foreign Select, which showcases Filipino talent in different parts of the world, anticipates his student’s long-term success in the NBA.
Knowing how dedicated the Nigerian-born player is, Gopez believes Okongwu has the highest ceiling in his basketball career.
“He will definitely bring the professionalism of a true athlete … I know he is the type of athlete who really cares about his game,” Gopez said.
“So for him to go to the NBA, I see him having that longevity in terms of his career. I can see him 15, 18 years in the league,” he added.
Okongwu recently signed a four-year, $ 26.4 million contract with the Hawks after the draft.
With more than a handful of great prospects relying on Gopez’s training at Edge Basketball International, Okongwu’s achievement in the NBA likely won’t be the last in Gopez’s career.
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