By Jay Leon Guerrero
The dream continues for Guam National Basketball Team member Ben Borja II. After winning another Pacific Games Gold medal, the versatile 6’8″ forward from Dededo was called upon to play professionally for the Taiwan-based East Sea Pirates.
Borja, 26, helped the Pirates defeat the Pola Pilipinas RPG team 81-73 in The Asian Tournament series played in China. Borja was firing away on all cylinders early in the game and finished with 13 points and six rebounds.
The game was played at the Rhino Arena in Guangzhou, China. The Pirates are now 1-1 in the Guangzhou leg of the tournament after dropping their first game to the Hong Kong Jambo 80-73.
Borja said the move to the new team has been smooth, and he’s grateful for the opportunity. “It’s all about adjusting and adjusting to how my teammates play,” said Borja. “I have adjusted pretty well. That’s something I learned right off the bat starting out as a pro.”
“Every day is definitely a grind, but I love it,” said Borja. “Although I definitely do miss home, this is a dream of mine to play the game of basketball. It’s such a blessing, and I thank God for this opportunity. I enjoy being around my teammates. They’re a good bunch of people that just want to win. “
Borja plays again tonight (10:00pm) Guam time with the Pirates playing against the Macau Black Bears. Watch Borja tonight on YouTube LIVE on The Asian Tournment YouTube channel or follow updates on The Asian Tournament Facebook Page.
Good luck, Big Ben!
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The JFK Islanders won the first ever Memorial Weekend High School Basketball Tournament.
The All-Tournament selection were Zhion Macapinlac JFK, Darwin Ecijan JFK, Matthew Quinata Southern, and Malcom Fernandez Tiyan.
JFK’s Collin Rillamas was named tournament MVP.
