Double Trouble: The Twin Lions

For 20 year-old fraternal twins Anthony and David Semerad, it’s all about being a family – even when it comes to basketball.

When the twins decided to pursue college basketball in the Philippines, it wasn’t just the academic standing and credentials that they were looking for in the universities that they visited. More than anything, they were looking for a place that felt like home.

“We came from Europe, we never knew of any schools and all the ones that we heard of were pretty prestigious,” explains Anthony. “But we found what we were looking for in San Beda because it’s like a family here. Since it’s just me and my brother here, we wanted a school that would feel like home to us.”

Indeed, family comes first for these Filipino-Czech cagers who were born in Australia.

“When we were in Grade 3, these pamphlets called ‘Learn to Play Basketball’ were given out in our classroom. We brought it to our dad and asked if we could learn,” recalls Anthony. “We have an older sister and dad said ‘If your sister joins, you’ll be able to play.’ Our sister said ok and that was how it started.”

“We fell in love with basketball instantly. We were pretty tall for our age and we found out that this sport really fit us,” continues David. “Our actual first sport was soccer but my brother hated all the running and we were still young so we pulled out of that. Basketball was just a better fit for us.”

Since then, basketball has been their life, playing for teams Down Under and even for the Czech National Team. But it was while in Europe that Anthony and David would first hear about basketball in the country of their mother, and what they heard certainly piqued their interest.

“In Europe, one of the players was also Filipino and he came back here to play for the national team. One of the players there told us about the Philippines and that it was a good program so we thought about checking it out as well,” David shares.

They're Home

Making the journey to the Philippines was not a new experience for the Semerads. They had previously visited the country as 10 year-olds, and they speak fondly of the country’s unique aroma.

“It’s this smell that just reminds you of the Philippines. It’s a good smell, you know you’re in the Philippines,” says David with a laugh.

“It’s like a distinctive smell, you know you’re somewhere else. The sweat, the heat, the people were different. That’s the first initial thing I felt. Coming here wasn’t really a shock,” adds Anthony. “People would tell me that we would have culture shock and stuff like that, but I think my brother and I adapted pretty well.”

They credit their mother Eve for their ability to blend in well. The twins said their mother made sure that they kept in touch with their Filipino side of their family, even as they spent their childhoods in Australia and the Czech Republic.

“My mom did well with going to church and having God in your life, because in Australia it’s not really pushed. Filipino parents are very strict and our mom was very strict with us. Growing up she oriented us towards God, family, and our studies,” Anthony recalls.

“I’ve learned a few words in Tagalog growing up. We also grew up with Filipino food, and we really loved sinigang na baboy and adobo with ginger,” says David.

Basketball Country

It also didn’t hurt that the two felt completely welcomed in San Beda College.

“The first day in San Beda, everyone was there for us, talking to us and asking us how we were. It was a very friendly environment. The training here is up to standard,” says Anthony. “I’ve never heard of basketball here and coming here, stagnating was my worry. But the training here is up to par; we travel to the States once a year.”

If there is anything to adjust to, the two say that it is the immense popularity that basketball – be it professional or collegiate – has in Philippine culture. Used to lackluster crowds in Australia and the Czech Republic, the Semerads say that playing for a crowd that routinely gets up on its feet and cheer wildy is quite an experience.

“The crowd getting into it and jumping up? That does not happen in Australia. Here, you feel the energy inside you while you’re on court, and that’s a great feeling. Filipino basketball is number one in energy. The crowd will get into it and will show 100 percent support for your team,” gushes Anthony.

The particularly physical way that basketball is played here was also something that the Semerads had to adjust to.

“Basketball here is rough and it’s a lot quicker. Back in Australia, it’s a different style of game. We definitely had to adjust to the way the game is played here and we still are adjusting,” explains David. “Everyone’s a lot shorter here and quicker! When I dribble the ball, they can easily steal it and I had to adjust and be quick too.”

The twins also dispel any notions that they are “favored children” when it comes to their academics at San Beda. They are both taking up Business Marketing, and even made the dean’s list once when they were in their second year.

“I’m a hard worker. I do all my assignments, I take all my exams and I study hard. You can check the papers, it shows,” says David. “There’s usually a lot of late nights getting my assignments and my schoolwork done. There’s a bit of stress but we get through.”

“Professors will tell us that we had a good game, and that we should get the championship, but they still treat us as normal students. We’re student-athletes, not athlete-students. We’re pretty much treated the same,” adds Anthony.

Single and Ready to Mingle

Just like any other family, the Semerads admit to having a healthy competition between the two of them – especially when it comes to girls. The two readily admit to having fought over more than one girl; what’s harder to discern is which one of them is telling the truth when it comes to who “wins”.

“We’ve had quite a few fights over girls. He says he always wins but I think it’s 50-50. Anthony’s more shy. He’d want me to talk to the girl for him and get her number. But he’d never do it for me, I’d have to do it myself. As for wild behavior? That’s classified information,” says David with a laugh.

“Right now, we’re single and ready to mingle. We’ve definitely competed over a girl, and David may tell a different story but I always win. I always get what I want,” counters Anthony. “He says that he’s the wilder one and I’m shy, but I think he just doesn’t know who I am really.”

The pair has no plans of leaving their new family here just yet, saying that they both plan to play either for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) or the Smart-Gilas National Team after they earn their degrees. Neither of them is worried about the rising popularity of football in the country, comparing basketball and football in the country to the way the two of them were raised by their parents.

“Mum and dad would always teach us that we’re the same, that we’re brothers and twins, so we shouldn’t fight and just help each other,” says Anthony. “It’s good that the Philippines has more options. Both can go up and both can get international attention. It’s good for the country and Filipinos. It’s doesn’t have to be either-or.”

Thank you: Manila Bulletin