JV Casio's Time

Joseph Evans Casio came at a not so auspicious time. The Green Archers was still feeling the pangs from their championship loss to bitter rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the previous season. And with a rookie-laden lineup which includes the former Red Cub, the Green Archers missed the UAAP Finals for the first time since 1994.

He came at a time when rookies were not given much hype as much as what we are seeing now. Nonetheless, JV as he has come to be known, quietly earned the praise not only of the Green supporters but also of the regular UAAP spectator. Despite the presence of a much vaunted rivals like Ateneo’s Chris Tiu and Ford Arao, Adamson’s Ken Bono, UP’s Marvin Cruz, JV romped off with the Rookie of the Year honors.

He came at a time when the Green Archers had the spectacular and flashy duo of Joseph Yeo and Macmac Cardona. For years, he played in the shadows of his superstar teammates. No complaints, no buts. He responded as a loyal team player. But the superstar in him is waiting to be unraveled. In the do-or-die Game 3 of the 2004 UAAP Championship Series vs. the FEU Tamaraws, JV nailed a crucial three-point shot in the dying seconds of the ballgame, reminiscent of Ren-Ren Ritualo’s gameturning triple in the 1998 Season.

Yes, JV is indeed the next Archer to watch. But just when JV’s star is starting to shine brightly, another controversy hit De La Salle that resulted in the one-year suspension of the Green Archers from the UAAP. Sadly, the clouds seemed to have dimmed JV’s star.

And in 2007, after a one-year hiatus from the UAAP, the De La Salle Green Archers vindicated their suspension and won the UAAP crown. JV Casio lived up to everyone’s hope and expectation and spearheaded the Green Archers’ fairy-tale win over the heavily favored UE Red Warriors. JV’s star is shining brighter than ever. He was named in the UAAP Mythical Team of Season 70 and Finals Most Valuable Player together with Cholo Villanueva. Despite all the accolades, JV remained the humble and quiet cager that he is.

JV vowed to return to lead DLSU in its quest for a back-to-back championship. He did not reneg on that promise. He took up Masters in Environmental Science and wore the Green and White jersey for the very last season. JV led the Archers and guided the young La Salle squad game in and game out. Delivering on his promise, the Green Archers’ team captain steered La Salle to its 13th finals appearance in 15 UAAP seasons.

No matter what the outcome of this year’s Finals will be, JV Casio is one superstar the entire Lasallian community will miss. His surname might have been an abbreviation of the constellation, Cassiopeia, which contains one of the brightest stars in the galaxy, because for sure, wherever Casio may be, his star will forever shine brightly.

Thank you JV.

2003

JV was already a regular fixture in the Archers’ rotation in his rookie year at a tender age of 16 and fresh out of San Beda High School.

As a freshman, JV proved that he can hang tough against the more-seasoned players of the league.

JV was never shy to hit the big shots since day one of his UAAP career.

JV was instrumental in leading the then rookie-laden Green Archers team to a respectable finish in 2003. He won the rookie of the year award on top of being one of the league leaders in the steals category.

2004

With a year of college ball experience tucked under his belt, JV was ready to assume an even bigger role in his sophomore year.

JV was among the key components in the Archers’ vaunted full court press.

JV played a significant role in the Archers’ victory over FEU in the 2004 championship series. He hit a clutch three-pointer in the dying seconds of the sudden death match that gave the lead and eventually the win.

With his oncourt brilliance and clutch performance all season long, JV was certainly not hounded by the so-called sophomore jinx.

2005

With the departure of Macmac Cardona, JV got even more minutes in the guard rotation.

JV developed his slashing ability to add another dimension to his game.

In most occasions, he played the point. He orchestrated the offense well as a back-up to TY Tang.

JV and the rest of the team had all reasons to celebrate as they booked another seat in the finals that year.

2007

Coming back from year’s absence due to suspension, JV and the Archers are determined to once again rise to the top.

A more confident JV displayed a new arsenal of moves from fade-away jumpers to cat-quick drives that baffled defenders to no end.

There was no stopping JV and the Archers from charging their way back to the finals after a one-year layoff.

Sweet vindication indeed.

2008

In his final playing year in the UAAP, JV in now the main man of the team being the most seasoned Archer.

JV took his game to a whole new level this season being the team’s primary offensive option.

Being the leader that he is, JV is the stabilizing force for the Archers this season.

JV will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the team throughout his collegiate career. We hope that the fire and determination that he has always shown since his rookie year would inspire those who will be taking over his place in the seasons to come.

Old photos courtesy of www.greenarcher.net and www.ubelt.com

posted by green_gossip at http://www.greenarchers.ph/?p=174

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naiiyak ako habang binabasa ko 'to.

nalulungkot ako para kay JV.

waaahh..

sa lahat ng taon na naging archer siya, nakatulong siya sa team nila. dalawang championships.

tapos, kung kelan siya na ang may huling taon, saka naman nagmumukhang malabo na maging champions sila.

nakakalungkot lang talaga...

as a team kasi, naniniwala ako na Ateneo talaga ang deserving manalo ngayong season. malaki ang in-improve nila from last year.

pero naniniwala rin ako na individually, Casio deserves it as well. sa halos lahat ata ng laban nila eh siya ang nagpataas ng scores. 3-pointer ng team. laging pasahan ng bola. laging naipapasok ang bola kahit na sa mahihirap na paraan. LEADER.

TAPOS.... sa ganito mag-e-end ang collegiate career niya. NAKAKAIYAK!!

although di pa naman tapos ang Finals. pero umaasa ko na Ateneo talaga ang mananalo eh. kaya mas lalo akong nalulungkot para kay Casio.

dati ayoko talaga sa kanya. NAIINIS AKO SA KANYA DAHIL ANG GALING NIYA. siya ang kontrabida sa mga teams na gusto kong manalo. ngayong season ko lang talaga siya na-appreciate. kung kelang last season na niya sa UAAP. :(

and as much as i'd miss seeing Chris Tiu play, Casio will also be a big loss in this league i love. but at least, panatag ang loob ko dahil alam kong pagkatapos nito, the future of JV Casio will be much, much brighter for him.