Looks like McCoy Pascual is following his dad’s footsteps.
For someone who is used to being cheered on, Phoenix forward Jake Pascual doesn’t mind getting the roles reversed. Well, at least when he’s watching his son, McCoy, play basketball.
As his 12-year-old son develops an interest in the sport he loves, it seems that the Pascual patriarch is getting accustomed to being a cheerleader on the sidelines.
As much as possible, the stage dad admits he tries to be present at every game. But with his job as a PBA player, it is next to impossible. But thank God for social media, he is able to watch online.
“'Yung mga ibang games hindi (napapanood) kasi nagkakataon may practice kami at laro kung minsan. Sa live streaming na lang ako nakakanood kung minsan,” he said.
In his years with San Beda and the PBA, he’s probably seen all kinds of fans. The former NCAA champion is definitely not the type who would shout expletives or would interfere with the coaching staff.
He just does the coaching before and after the game.
“Kapag ako nanonood, kalmado lang at tamang cheer lang naman ako. Fan ako 'pag nanonood ako,” he said.
“Before at after game ko na lang sinasabihan anak ko kung ano'ng magandang gawin sa laro.”
The younger Pascual also has to play the big man role just like his father. After all, at 5-foot-9, he is a towering presence in 12-and-under divisions of various leagues.
“Pero gusto niya mag wing or shooting guard daw,” said Jake of McCoy, whose favorite team are the Golden State Warriors and of course, Phoenix in the PBA.
His son was not pressured to be into basketball. The 34-year-old Pascual said it all just started months ago when teammate RJ Jazul formed a 12U team in the Cityhoops league.
“Nag-start lang 'to last July. Nagbuo kasi ng team si RJ Jazul para sa liga na 12U. Niyaya niya ako na sumali 'yung anak ko sa team niya, kaya sinali ko na rin kasi walang mga liga ang mga bata noong pandemic,” said Pascual, whose son also played in Hotshots League in Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball Tournament.
Is McCoy finally following in his dad’s footsteps? Pascual did not give a definite answer.
Right now, the 6-foot-4 forward is just allowing his son to enjoy basketball after being mostly confined at home since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hindi pa naman namin napag-uusapan ngayon 'yun. Gusto ko lang muna siya mag-enjoy ngayon sa paglalaro ng basketball,” he said.