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| Once a top bet for athletics in Pampanga, Archie Concepcion has now fulfilled his dad's wish of playing in the PBA. PBA Images (file photo) |
MANILA—Basketball fans who have followed Archie Concepcion's career from Arellano in the NCAA to Pampanga, Blackwater, and now Converge in the pros may be quick to notice his athleticism, which could be better than some other current PBA players similar to his six-foot-two frame.
The cat-quick winger revealed that it can be traced back to his time in high school, when he was still part of his alma mater's athletics team.
"Noong high school ako, track-and-field player talaga ako," Concepcion said, adding that he once competed in the high jump and 400-meter run.
The Porac, Pampanga native also bared that he made it to as far as the CLRAA meet after winning gold at the provincial level.
"One time, nag-gold ako. Sobrang saya ng father ko. Syempre proud na proud. Parang buong Pampanga, ako yung nag-first. Ire-represent ko na next doon, yung province," Concepcion further said.
So how did he jump to basketball?
"May naka-discover sa akin na kagawad doon sa barangay namin sa Porac. Sabi niya, 'Gusto kong dalhin kita kay Gov. Delta [Pineda, now Pampanga vice governor and Converge head coach].' Hindi ako nag-dalawang isip kasi ito na yung chance para mapagpatuloy ko yung college career ko," Concepcion answered.
He also used this as an opportunity to fulfill what his father, a devout TNT fan, wanted from him before he passed away in 2012.
"Sayang lang. Di nya lang nadatnan itong paglalaro ko. Kung sakaling naglaro ako ng basketball, siguro magiging proud pa siya lalo kasi yun yung sport niya talaga," Concepcion further said.
The eldest of five siblings added that he became the breadwinner after their dad passed away, using some of the money he earned from playing "ligang labas" to support his family.
Although not in a Tropang 5G jersey, Concepcion believes his dad is still happy that he is now in the PBA as evidenced in a social media post where he laid his FiberXer jerseys to the burial site of his dad.
"I'm back in PBA again now I'm happy to be with my former teammates in Pampanga and coach Pedek (Pampanga head coach and Converge assistant coach Frederick Dimatulac) and Boss Delta. But I would have been happier if you were still here, it's a shame you're gone. Every achievement I have Da you always come to my mind. We used to watch the PBA now I'm here, but I know you're happy for me and proud," Concepcion captioned the Oct. 26 post in Kapampangan.
Played sparingly by the Bossing during his first PBA stint in 2023 before making his way back to the Giant Lanterns for the 2024 MPBL season, Concepcion showed his worth as a FiberXer on Saturday night against his former PBA team.
Concepcion scored back-to-back threes in the third quarter that helped Converge remain in control of the game against Blackwater.
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