25/03/2026
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LAST YEAR, Kelly Coronel was easily one of the most interesting stories heading into the 2025 NBTC National Finals.
Coming in as a reinforcement for Bulacanβs DPR Aviation College, he fulfilled not just a dream most young Filipino ballers have, but a dream that his father, Michael, imparted to him at age seven, when they first set foot at the Mall of Asia Arena for a PBA game.
Unfortunately, his biggest supporter never got to watch him put on a show for Bulacan, as his father died of a heart attack in 2020.
Now, not only has he frequented the arena as a key contributor for the EAC Brigadiers, but he can also say that heβs one of the best young studs, as he was named as a part of the 2026 Anta-NBTC All-Star Game.
βNa-push talaga ako, tinyaga ko hanggang sa nag-click,β said Coronel, who also recently committed to the seniors program.
βDinala ako sa EAC kasi rebuilding sila noong time na βyon. Ito, nakapag-perform naman ako nang maayos.β
The accolades were a testament to his work, earning Mythical Five and All-Defensive honors last NCAA Season 101 Juniors Basketball that brought him to be part of the illustrious list, which ranked him 21st among the high school players in the country.
And this honor only humbles him, grateful for this recent development in his still young career, while still honoring his father, Michael.
β[Siyempre] All-Star, tapos maraming taong nanonood, buong Pilipinas. Sa tingin ko magiging sobrang proud nun,β Coronel said, who has been called up to reinforce DβGenerals x Dynamix Creative in the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls.
But the 18-year-old guard knows that more than his game, what his father would be more proud of is how heβs taking care of his sisters, all while chasing his basketball dreams.
βPanganay pa ako, so parang lagi niya ako ginagabayan kung paano maging mabuting kuya sa mga kapatid ko.β
Though Coronel now navigates his basketball and personal journey without his father, itβs safe to say that Michael has imparted enough wisdom that drives him to strive for greater heights.
And with every achievement he adds, it will be for his number one fan, always and forever.
βHindi mawawala βyun. Siya talaga yung nagpu-push sa akin kung bakit ko ginagawa ito. Para sa kanya itong lahat.β