Arcilla makes his debut for Templeogue in Super League win at just 16 years of age

Black Amber Templeogue introduced 16 year-old Kris Arcilla to Super League over the weekend, as first he made his debut in Saturday’s 101-78 win over KUBS, then scored his first points in their huge 104-52 win over Maree on the Bank Holiday.

The youngster was buzzing after making his debut, as he explains, “I didn't play much but that was expected. I really enjoy being on the sideline supporting the team and soaking in all the experience from the older players a 16 year old. When I got called by Mark (Keenan) against KUBS in the 4th quarter, I just got really excited. I told myself whenever I get the chance to play, I'll play it like a regular underage game and just be me.”

We asked him how he found the pace of the game at this level, “The pace of the Super League game didn't really phase me, because after two months of training with the team at game speed all the time, I got used to it.”

And how did he think he played? “I personally think I did alright in the game with the time I got. I didn't really feel pressure because I was just enjoying the moment and I thought I played with confidence. Although I didn't score, I was just happy to be there on the court playing at the highest level of basketball here in Ireland.”

He credits his Uncle for introducing him to the game of basketball following a family holiday, “I got into Basketball at the age of 9 when I was on holidays in the Philippines. At the time I played a variety of sports but football was my main. Basketball is the main sport in the Philippines and my uncle introduced me to it as he was a basketball fanatic himself and was very good at it for a 40 year old man. He was teaching us the simple dribble moves and how to take a lay-up and all the fundamentals. I remember I just enjoyed playing so much that I brought back all he thought me to Ireland and just practised it.”

Unlike many other players in Ireland he doesn’t play other sports anymore but says that the sports he played when he was younger have helped him improve his game, “I don't play any other sport anymore but when I was younger and when basketball and school didn't take up all of my time I played every single sport. Sports such as Football, Gaelic football, badminton, cricket, tennis and even did Tae Kwan Do. I felt like all the sports I did helped me out in basketball, mainly football with the footwork and speed.”

Mark Keenan’s side have bounced back well of late, on a 3-game winning streak, to get their title challenge back on track following a 3-game losing spell. 

The point-guard has represented Ireland at youth level previously and he talks about his disappointment of not being involved this year, “I played Internationally last year during the summer for the U-16 team at the time and in the Euros in Bulgaria. We didn't get the result we wanted and we were disappointed in ourselves, but mainly because we were held back big time by multiple injuries. Altogether it was a incredible experience. I don't play for an international squad at the moment and I regret it. My plan was to just take the year off from International Basketball, then join back again with the U-20’s, however due to the recent changes in International basketball by Basketball Ireland, it's not possible. I feel like I should've just tried out for the current international team when it first started but I can't change that now.”

“I did have the chance to play U-18 3x3 with 3 team-mates I know very well and played with the U-16 Irish squad this past summer, beating Russia and Belarus in Latvia but it wasn’t enough to qualify for the next round in Hungary,” Kris continued. 

Templeogue Head Coach Mark Keenan told us that Arcilla is a massive talent, and that he’s look my forward to seeing him continue to develop at the club, “Kris is a great young man with a huge appetite for the game. Marry that with his great attitude and high level skill set and we have a great Super league prospect.”

“He brings high energy to our training every night and is not phased by playing with the older guys at all. He’s a great left-handed scoring guard that can play the point or 2 guard spot. He’s also not afraid to take anyone one.”

“The one thing that I’m trying to teach him at present is at times he needs to slow down a bit and be more of a controlling point guard. He’s learning that from Puff Summers also.”

“Overall he’s a great player for our club and one we will be looking to grow at Super League over the coming years. It was great to get all the younger guys on the squad some court time on Saturday.”

Kris Arcilla, remember the name as he could become a huge star of Irish basketball over the coming years.