Ex-PBA player's son shines in UK hoops

February 19, 2012

LONDON – A Filipino is one of the hottest prospects in the United Kingdom (UK), according to England Under-18 basketball head coach, Steven Bucknall.

Terence Mustre, 18, who plays under Bucknall for the Lewisham Thunder Under-18 team, was born in the Philippines but has been in the UK for almost six years.

During an interview with ABS-CBN Europe, Bucknall, a former Los Angeles Laker, gave Mustre a glowing reference.

"As the England Under-18 coach I get to see all the young players in the country. I rate Terence as one of these players that are up there, especially in his position, the point guard. He's one of the best ball-handlers in the country so I can see him going quite far,” said Bucknall.

Mustre trains every day of the week and plays for four teams in and around London--Lewisham Thunder Under-18, Mole Valley Phoenix Men's, reigning Pinoy KAMPI West summer league champions Genesis Professionals, and his college Harris Academy.

On Sunday, February 12, he starred for Lewisham Thunder in an Under-18 clash against the Worthing Thunder at Wembley Arena.

The 5'8" playmaker was a constant threat throughout and helped his team to a 80-69 victory. He notched 24 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds.

Although Mustre is a recent addition to the Lewisham Thunder, he already feels chemistry with his teammates. Six-foot-four power forward Rowell Graham says "it's fun" playing with Mustre.

"He's able to see things that other people can't. He does what he needs to do to win and that's why I love the guy,” Graham said.

"I think he could go all the way if he wants to. At his height, no-one else has that, and with his skill, no-one has that as well. It's very hard to find someone that can make buckets the way he can, find people the way he can, he sees it before it happens,” Graham added.

Mustre feels the experience of playing with other talented individuals has not only enhanced his development, but also made things easier.

"I've been playing the position since I was little, since 12. I've been playing with good players here in England like Rowell. I just lob it anywhere and he'll just dunk it. It's a good team,” he said.

Mustre, whose father is former San Miguel Beerman Mike Mustre, has aspirations to play in the PBA one day, but wants to go to college first.

Harris Academy is currently compiling video footage of their most talented players, which includes Mustre. The highlight reel will then be forwarded to universities and high schools in the US with the aim of impressing.

"Hopefully we can get one of these guys to get a hit and some of these schools will be interested. Hopefully they can move on and go to the States,” said coach Bucknall.

Mustre wants to play basketball in the US, but if things do not work out he revealed he may try out for the college leagues in the Philippines.

"I want to go [to] college first before mag-PBA. I'm planning to go to America first, let's see how it goes, and then baka punta ako ng Pilipinas,” Mustre said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/02/18/12/ex-pba-players-son-shines-uk-hoops