RP Youth standout Kerby Raymundo didn't think twice about sacrificing his studies and Alma Mater for a bigger sacrifice: the love for one's country. While Letran College was waging a war in NCAA, he took a leave, albeit briefly, to help the Philippines and the rest of the Manila Metrostars conquer the gold in both the SEABA and at the Brunei SEA games. A few days later he goes back to college hoops, leading the Knights to back-to-back NCAA titles while capturing the most coveted MVP award. Didn't we tell you he's only 19 (sic) years old? #

Officials of Red Bull have expressed confidence they will would be able to elevate youthful elevate youthful Kerby Raymundo to the PBA and subsequently build the team around him when the team makes its debut in the pro league next month.
PBA legal counsel Butch Cleofe yesterday said Red Bull has only to prove Raymundo "is a high school graduate or would have graduated in the school year 1995-96" to be able to get clearance to join the PBA.
Raymundo was one of the six "direct recruits" coach Yeng Guiao picked from the Red Bull squad in the Philippine Basketball League with the talented 6-foot-7 slotman from Bataan expected to create an impact on his rookie year.
While Red Bull officials said they can easily produce the necessary documents, some quarters doubted Raymundo would be eligible to join the PBA since the veteran SEA Games campaigner is largely believed to be turning only 19 this year and has graduated from high school in 1997 - the same year he played his rookie year in the NCAA with the Letran Knights.
The Red Bull camp, however, believes it can elevate Raymundo to the pro ranks, saying it can come up with evidence proving the prized cager actually started his high school studies in 1992 and would have graduated in 1996 if he did not skip classes for one year.
PBA draft rules state that a player is eligible to join the draft if he is 23 years old by June 30, 2000 or a high school graduate, or would have graduated from high school in the school year 1995-96.
"They have yet to submit documents. Once they submit, I'll start verifying it kahit saan pang lupalop manggaling ang documents niya," said Cleofe, the same person who unearthed discrepancies in Marlou Aquino's papers, prompting the 6-foot-9 cager to withdraw his application in 1993.
If Raymundo is cleared and allowed to play in the PBA, he becomes the youngest cager to play in the PBA since Nick Bulaong turned pro at 18 when he joined the Toyota Tamaraws. #

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao can now heave a sigh of relief. Kerby Raymundo, the celebrated center who led the Letran Knights to their second straight NCAA championship, is eligible to play in the Philippine Basketball Association.
And that would make Raymundo, who will turn 19 this month, the youngest rookie since the league initiated an age requirement for amateur draftees in 1990. Former Toyota player Nick Bulaong, who turned pro in 1977, was the youngest rookie in league history at age 18.
Raymundo is one of six players Red Bull directly recruited from its amateur team in the Philippine Basketball League that will form the core of its team which will make its debut next month when the PBA opens its 26th season.
But there were doubts that Red Bull's man in the middle may not be eligible to join the PBA. Even Guiao, initially entertained fears but was assured by team management that their prized recruit will be included in the team.
"At first I have some doubts. But management assured me that there will be no problem." Guiao said.
The question surrounding Raymundo's eligibility was triggered by reports that the 6-foot-6 center, who was named MVP of the NCAA last season and who has great potential, graduated from high school under the 1996-1997 school year. If that's the case, Raymundo could have been barred from turning pro and Red Bull would have forfeited its right for one "direct recruit" player. Under league rules, to be eligible, a player must be 23 years of age by June 30, 2000. If he's below the age requirement, he must be a high school graduate or would have graduated from high school in the school year 1995-96.
"For whatever reason he may not have graduated from high school in 1995-96. But if he could prove that he was enrolled in high school in 1992 that would qualify him for the draft because if that is so he would have graduated in the school year 1995-96," Cleofe explained.
Guiao said Raymundo assured him that he entered high school in 1992.
Still, Raymundo will have to prove that he is eligible. He is given until Friday to produce his high school records to prove his claims.