The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys successfully made the playoffs just in their rookie season in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, but while their campaign may be over, the team is no slowing down bringing joys and learning not just to the local folks but also in the Northeastern cluster of the province of Isabela.
Just recently, the Cowboys, headed by coach Louie Gonzalez, successfully conducted a free basketball clinic to basketball enthusiasts and for those young athletes and coaches who are eager to learn. They came from various barangays, hoping they would be able to hone their skills in playing and coaching.
Gonzalez emphasized not only the fundamentals of basketball, such as ball-handling, shooting, footwork, and defensive discipline, but also the importance of character, sportsmanship, and commitment in becoming a true basketball player.
Participants had the rare opportunity to train under professionals and gain insights from the Cowboys’ system.
The event, made possible by Mayor Jay Diaz, Vice Mayor Jayve Diaz and the city council, as well as the Cowboys management headed by team owner Jeao Diaz, provincial board member EJay Diaz and Provincial Governor Rodito Albano, also showcased some of Ilagan’s homegrown talents, including notable Cowboys players Donald Gumarua and Victor Buraga, who served as good examples of local athletes who rose through dedication and hard work.
The free clinic reflects the Cowboys’ continuous effort to inspire the next generation of Ilagueño athletes and strengthen grassroots basketball development in the city.
But the Cowboys were also caught in the middle of the storm, but preserved their energy on volunteering in the distribution of relief goods to the people affected by the typhoon.
