Ralph Cueto hoops it up, far away from home
CARLSBAD – Ralph Cueto was a four-year-old boy when he picked up a basketball and played the game for the first time, wearing sandals.
His schools' basketball gyms closed up after hours, so he would go to a recreational basketball court near his house and play basketball in the warm tropical climate every day until the sun went down.
The passion was there, but there were very few opportunities growing up in the Philippines due to poverty.
More than a decade later in Summer 2013, Cueto's mother Gemma accepted a nursing job at Carlsbad's Lakeview Christian Home and moved the family to the United States. From there, her son's life and future in basketball changed.
Now as an 18-year-old, Cueto is the starting point guard on Cavemen basketball team, averaging 8.8 points, 1.2 steals and a team-high 2.7 assists per game. He is Carlsbad's third-leading scorer and third-leading steals leader so far.
"It feels good to earn it," said Cueto, a senior. "Varsity basketball, the games go so fast. JV is way different. The intensity's way different, the energy's different. The competition's way different than JV. It feels good to be a starter."
Starting a new life, in a new world
Cueto was a couple months shy of turning 16 when when he moved to Carlsbad, and even the new living arrangements initially had its challenges.
In his first summer practicing with the Cavemen at Jefferson Montessori Academy just before his sophomore year, Cueto said he had to walk three miles to and from his house. Cueto said his mother could not drive him to and from practice because of her work schedule.
But Cueto woke up early every day and walked the three miles each way. His commitment to step onto the hardwood was that strong.
Cueto also spoke little to no English when he came to America, and that's where coach Jamaal Brown came into the picture.
Cueto said Brown helped him learn to speak in English and do so in conversations.
Over time, Cueto started talking to his Carlsbad teammates in English more often. Over time, he became more vocal during practice and in live competition.
"I can't even imagine it right now. It's crazy," Cueto said.
Love for the game
Even before he moved to the U.S., Cueto said he watched NBA games on television growing up every chance he had. He idolized players like Kevin Garnett during his first stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, as well point guard Rajon Rondo.
As far as his own game goes, Cueto said he emulates Rondo because of his basketball IQ, passing and decision-making.
"I watched him a lot on YouTube, how he handled the guards, how he made a decision," Cueto said.
Although he was a basketball fan growing up, he saw a big contrast in how the sport was viewed in both his home country and his current one.
"Basketball in America, it's a big deal. In the Philippines, basketball's not a major sport. You just play for fun," Cueto said.
Aspirations
After high school graduation, Cueto said he wants to play college basketball.
Although he's trying to keep his focus entirely on his remaining high school basketball days, Cueto said playing at the next level's definitely on his mind.
"It's one of my dreams. My mom keeps helping me to start looking at it, search for a college team and hopefully get a scholarship," Cueto said. "My mom keeps asking me 'where do you want to go to college?' I would prefer DI. That would be great."
Within this southwest region, Cueto said he dreams of playing at University of Arizona or even Syracuse because of how big basketball is there and for a chance to live in New York.
But even if the best he can do is settle for Division II, Division III or junior college, Cueto said he will take it.
"I just want to play basketball, man," Cueto said.
Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-528-5518.