Kian Valdez looks to follow Ate Alyssa’s footsteps

This appears on philstar.com

Kian Valdez looks to follow Ate Alyssa’s footsteps

by rick olivares

During the Bureau of Customs Transformers’ three-set loss to Pocari Sweat in last Saturday’s Shakey’s V-League match at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, there was one curious spectator. It was Kian Bernan Valdez.

The youngest sibling of Alyssa Valdez currently plays for the basketball team of Joseph Marello Institute in Batangas. Kian also has started playing volleyball; inspired by his famous sister.

While he has game in volleyball where he plays the utility position, he hopes to carve out a name for himself in a separate sport.

“Gusto ko ng basketball para makagawa rin ako ng pangalan ko,” says the 14-year old lad of his dreams. The one thing Kian shares in common with his older sister is their propensity for scoring points as he plays the shooting guard position.

“Enjoy din ako sa volleyball. Masayang sport. Mabilis,” shared Kian who can hit the ball but not yet with the power that his sister is known for. “Inspirasyon si ate. Pero ang gusto ko talaga basketball.”

While the younger Valdez may not eventually major in the same sport, the other thing he has in common is his desire to eventually play for the blue and white. “Nanonood ako ng Ateneo Blue Eagles. Pangarap ko maglaro para sa kanila.”

Although Kian currently stands five feet and five inches, he hopes that he will experience a growth spurt that will allow him to play the game of basketball better. “Si LA Tenorio taga-Batangas din,” added Kian. “Pinakita niya na kaya rin ng maliit na player maging effective.”