Had it not been for a bone cancer which forced his leg to get amputated, Jeric Escober would have possibly cracked the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys roster as a homegrown player.
But life continues to go on for Escober, a former star player in local leagues in Isabela even when he’s watching from the sidelines. Having their first local professional team competing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is definitely a proud moment for an Ilagueño like him.
“Nakaka-proud, makita mo how they defend, how they play, the system. It’s really a good team,” said Escober.
It took awhile for Escober to accept the reality he’s facing now, but that didn’t stop him from expressing his love for the game.
In Ilagan Isabela’s last home game, Escober was given the best seat in the house by the Cowboys management as the entire team felt inspired seeing one of their local cage heroes lending his support on board his wheelchair.
“We dedicated the victory to him,” said team owner Jeao Diaz. “He provided us a source of inspiration out there and we don’t want to let him down just like the rest of the local folks who came out to support our team.”
That source of inspiration spilled over in Ilagan Isabela’s next game — a 98-72 win over Imus, which served as the squad’s first back-to-back victories in the big league.
“Nung una, parang ang hirap tanggapin na hindi na ako makakalaro,” said Escober. “Pero inisip ko na lang, may plano yung Diyos sa akin. At least, OK pa rin na nakakapanood ako, sinusuportahan ko yung team, pero personally, malaki rin talaga ang suporta sa akin nina Mayor (Jay Diaz) at yung family niya.”
Getting back closer to the game by watching and supporting the Cowboys gave Escober that sense of feeling of belongingness.
There was a time when he was considered as among the top local players in the province of Isabela.
“I played in the National SCUAA,” he added. “We used to represent Region VIII. I played for University of Eastern Philippines in Samar, but I transferred to Isabela dahil taga dito si misis. Dati, nakakalaro-laro ako dito naging player rin ako nina Boss Jeao sa inter-town tournaments.”
