MEMBERS
The team can be split into the AB-ORIGINALS and NEW BLOOD.
AB-ORIGINALS
The team can be split into the AB-ORIGINALS and NEW BLOOD.
AB-ORIGINALS
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25forlife
Basketball Club
Basketball Club
AL GREGORIO
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 5'7”
Position: COACH / PG
Location: Toronto
What can we say about Al? The 1st ever Asian/Canadian to ever be crowned as the
Most Valuable Player in the annual North American Basketball Association (NABA)
tournament in over 20 years. Accurate jump shooter with lightning quick speed,
coach's from the opposing team's game plan was 'How to contain Al.' A very solid point
guard in his younger days and with his leadership skills, Al was often thought of as an
extension of the coach on the floor. Until Al hung up his jersey and decided to pass on
his winning formula to the 25forLife team. His resume speaks for itself with countless
wins in major tournaments and local inter-city leagues.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 5'7”
Position: COACH / PG
Location: Toronto
What can we say about Al? The 1st ever Asian/Canadian to ever be crowned as the
Most Valuable Player in the annual North American Basketball Association (NABA)
tournament in over 20 years. Accurate jump shooter with lightning quick speed,
coach's from the opposing team's game plan was 'How to contain Al.' A very solid point
guard in his younger days and with his leadership skills, Al was often thought of as an
extension of the coach on the floor. Until Al hung up his jersey and decided to pass on
his winning formula to the 25forLife team. His resume speaks for itself with countless
wins in major tournaments and local inter-city leagues.
JEREMIAH STA. MARIA
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'1”
Position: SG / SF
Location: Toronto
One of the smoothest shooting strokes you will ever find in today's game. Clutch
shooter with uncanny range. Moves very well without the ball which is something
essential for a shooting guard. His teammates refer to him as the Asian Reggie Miller.
Miah's veteran leadership on and off the court has been a huge part with the success of
25forLife. Where some may think that he lacks in the "athletic" department, he makes
up with his smart, fundamental, and savvy skills. Played semi-professional ball in the
Philippines for team Chow King. Best known for his signature move where he calls
players over with his hand and drains the shot over the defenders outstretched arm.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'1”
Position: SG / SF
Location: Toronto
One of the smoothest shooting strokes you will ever find in today's game. Clutch
shooter with uncanny range. Moves very well without the ball which is something
essential for a shooting guard. His teammates refer to him as the Asian Reggie Miller.
Miah's veteran leadership on and off the court has been a huge part with the success of
25forLife. Where some may think that he lacks in the "athletic" department, he makes
up with his smart, fundamental, and savvy skills. Played semi-professional ball in the
Philippines for team Chow King. Best known for his signature move where he calls
players over with his hand and drains the shot over the defenders outstretched arm.
DEAN LABAYEN
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: PG / SG
Location: Toronto
Dean is one of the top guards in the nation. Stamped as "Mr. Basketball" everywhere he
goes. Dean possesses the chiseled physique that allows him to penetrate, slash, and
break down his opponents at any given time and his ability to finish both hands makes
him virtually unstoppable. Labayen was the 1997-98 Canadian Interuniversity Sport
(CIS) Rookie of the Year at York University and a three-time Ontario University Athletics
(OUA) All-Star. He led York to the OUA East Championship and the CIS Semifinals in
2001-02 then continued his career playing professional basketball in the Philippines
for the Negros Slashers. Some his biggest strengths are his on-ball defense,
leadership, and heart.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: PG / SG
Location: Toronto
Dean is one of the top guards in the nation. Stamped as "Mr. Basketball" everywhere he
goes. Dean possesses the chiseled physique that allows him to penetrate, slash, and
break down his opponents at any given time and his ability to finish both hands makes
him virtually unstoppable. Labayen was the 1997-98 Canadian Interuniversity Sport
(CIS) Rookie of the Year at York University and a three-time Ontario University Athletics
(OUA) All-Star. He led York to the OUA East Championship and the CIS Semifinals in
2001-02 then continued his career playing professional basketball in the Philippines
for the Negros Slashers. Some his biggest strengths are his on-ball defense,
leadership, and heart.
JP ALBANO
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 5'10”
Position: PG / SG
Location: Toronto
This Toronto guard is as cool as they come. As close to unstoppable as you can get on
the offensive end, JP can score from any spot on the floor. He keeps his defenders
guessing with a full array of moves: shifty drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, and
pinpoint 3-point shooting. JP’s an elite defender as well, as his nose for the ball gets
him tons of steals and makes him one of the top rebounding guards in the nation. His
high-level of play earned him a stint in semi-pro ball in the Philippines, as he was
recognized as part of the Mythical Five of the PYBL back in 2001. His refuse-to-lose
attitude and competitive fire has been a major factor of his team’s dominance over the
past decade.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 5'10”
Position: PG / SG
Location: Toronto
This Toronto guard is as cool as they come. As close to unstoppable as you can get on
the offensive end, JP can score from any spot on the floor. He keeps his defenders
guessing with a full array of moves: shifty drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, and
pinpoint 3-point shooting. JP’s an elite defender as well, as his nose for the ball gets
him tons of steals and makes him one of the top rebounding guards in the nation. His
high-level of play earned him a stint in semi-pro ball in the Philippines, as he was
recognized as part of the Mythical Five of the PYBL back in 2001. His refuse-to-lose
attitude and competitive fire has been a major factor of his team’s dominance over the
past decade.
MIKE SEMIRA
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: Forward
Location: Toronto
The best defender on the 25forLife team and has the ability to guard any position. Has
a wiry frame with an over 40" vertical to go along with it. Outstanding shot blocker,
rebounder, and a great passer who can also score at will. You may think that he lacks
size against taller players but Semira plays a lot bigger than he looks. With his physical
style of play and good hands, you could almost call him a nightmare defender. At 6'0”
give or take, his ridiculous leaping ability often makes him one of the fan favorites at
any basketball court. MORE
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: Forward
Location: Toronto
The best defender on the 25forLife team and has the ability to guard any position. Has
a wiry frame with an over 40" vertical to go along with it. Outstanding shot blocker,
rebounder, and a great passer who can also score at will. You may think that he lacks
size against taller players but Semira plays a lot bigger than he looks. With his physical
style of play and good hands, you could almost call him a nightmare defender. At 6'0”
give or take, his ridiculous leaping ability often makes him one of the fan favorites at
any basketball court. MORE
JEROME STA. MARIA
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: PG
Location: Toronto
25 for Life's best rebounding and shot blocking guard. Has a very long wingspan and
great timing that also creates havoc in the passing lanes. Outstanding on the ball
defender and has excellent court vision. Sta. Maria was a highschool standout who
was heavily recruited by top Canadian University/College programs. After running the
point guard position at York University for 2 years, Sta. Maria carried over his experience
and competitiveness onto the 25 for Life team and is now the floor general that runs the
show.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: PG
Location: Toronto
25 for Life's best rebounding and shot blocking guard. Has a very long wingspan and
great timing that also creates havoc in the passing lanes. Outstanding on the ball
defender and has excellent court vision. Sta. Maria was a highschool standout who
was heavily recruited by top Canadian University/College programs. After running the
point guard position at York University for 2 years, Sta. Maria carried over his experience
and competitiveness onto the 25 for Life team and is now the floor general that runs the
show.
CHRIS SUN
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'2
Position: PF / C
Location: Toronto
One of 25 for Life’s OGs, Chris possesses a pin-point jump shot and off-the-chart basketball IQ. Often a mismatch for
his defender because of his mobility and ability to knock down the outside shot, he played with a shooting guard’s
mentality in a big-guy’s frame. His game evolved from under the basket to three-point range, so he has the ability to get
buckets from anywhere. Currently taking time off from competitive play, Chris spends much of his time imparting his
knowledge of the game and training kids as the basketball (and volleyball) head coach at St. Robert highschool.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'2
Position: PF / C
Location: Toronto
One of 25 for Life’s OGs, Chris possesses a pin-point jump shot and off-the-chart basketball IQ. Often a mismatch for
his defender because of his mobility and ability to knock down the outside shot, he played with a shooting guard’s
mentality in a big-guy’s frame. His game evolved from under the basket to three-point range, so he has the ability to get
buckets from anywhere. Currently taking time off from competitive play, Chris spends much of his time imparting his
knowledge of the game and training kids as the basketball (and volleyball) head coach at St. Robert highschool.
ELVIN ETCUBANEZ
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: Forward
Location: Toronto
Widely known as ‘Jesus’ for his long hair and beard, Elvin is nothing less than a god-send for any offense.
A veteran who has contributed at the highschool, college (George Brown – OCAA) and university (Laurentian – CIS)
levels, he is a baller through and through. Primarily known as a jump shooter, Elvin’s evolved his offensive repertoire to
include a solid mid-range game and drives with either hand. This guy’s got a motor like no one else and puts the
Energizer Bunny to shame with his endurance. Elvin’s top-notch work ethic has helped him stay on the top of his game,
even though he’s been competing at the elite OPEN Men’s for over 10 years.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: Forward
Location: Toronto
Widely known as ‘Jesus’ for his long hair and beard, Elvin is nothing less than a god-send for any offense.
A veteran who has contributed at the highschool, college (George Brown – OCAA) and university (Laurentian – CIS)
levels, he is a baller through and through. Primarily known as a jump shooter, Elvin’s evolved his offensive repertoire to
include a solid mid-range game and drives with either hand. This guy’s got a motor like no one else and puts the
Energizer Bunny to shame with his endurance. Elvin’s top-notch work ethic has helped him stay on the top of his game,
even though he’s been competing at the elite OPEN Men’s for over 10 years.
ARCHIE NAVALES
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: PF
Location: Toronto
His teammates refer to him as 'The Skinniest Enforcer in the L' for his physical style of play with such a small frame. Has
the ability to finish plays with both hands and rebounds very well for his height. Navales may not be the flashiest of
players but at the end of the day he gets the job done, especially on the defensive end. He is currently putting ball aside
to deal with more important issues but with his love and passion for the game, his teammates would not be surprised to
see him back on the hardwood soon.
Team: 25 for Life
Height: 6'0”
Position: PF
Location: Toronto
His teammates refer to him as 'The Skinniest Enforcer in the L' for his physical style of play with such a small frame. Has
the ability to finish plays with both hands and rebounds very well for his height. Navales may not be the flashiest of
players but at the end of the day he gets the job done, especially on the defensive end. He is currently putting ball aside
to deal with more important issues but with his love and passion for the game, his teammates would not be surprised to
see him back on the hardwood soon.
MIKE MONTES
RYAN (AKA CASSELLS)
RYAN (AKA CASSELLS)