Exclusive: Gherome Ejercito brings his skills to Masters Pinoy

Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball 45-Up team is gearing up for the World Masters Tournament this coming May. Strengthening their lineup is two-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Gherome Ejercito.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ejercito shared how he plans to contribute to the team’s success on game day.

“I spoke with Coach Arlene (Rodriguez) and Boss Rey (Punongbayan) about what I and my fellow ex-pro players can bring to the team. Our experience playing in the PBA—alongside Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, and Gilbert Malabanan—will be a huge advantage,” Ejercito told us in Filipino.

“And as long as we continue our regular practices, we will be ready to compete,” he added.

The former Adamson University Falcon also emphasized the importance of conditioning, especially as they compete in the 45-and-above leagues, both locally and internationally.

To maintain peak performance, Ejercito revealed his personal approach to staying in shape.

“There’s no secret. You just have to work hard and attend practices regularly. We started with that discipline, and that is what I share with the younger generation. There are no shortcuts to success. Even at 45 and above, we’re still playing competitive basketball,” said Ejercito, who will turn 48 on March 19.

He also highlighted how the discipline they developed during their professional careers remains ingrained in them today. Their commitment to work ethic and a healthy lifestyle has been essential to their continued success on the court.

Shifting to a lighter note, Ejercito shared the basketball players who inspired him. Growing up in the ’90s, he idolized Anfernee Hardaway and Michael Jordan, particularly because he played as a big guard at 6-foot-2.

In the Philippines, Ejercito admired the late “Skywalker” Samboy Lim, a member of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players. He even wore jersey No. 9 in honor of Lim. Additionally, he sometimes wore No. 14 in tribute to his high school idol, the “Flying A” Johnny Abarrientos, who also played for the Philippine national team.

Now, as he contributes his skills and experience to the 45-and-up team, Ejercito calls on Filipinos to support their journey in Taiwan from May 17 to 30, 2025.

“To my fellow Filipinos in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, we all know basketball is our passion. We are here representing the Philippines in the 45-and-up division. Even now, we continue to raise our flag for the love of the game. Please support us as we represent our country,” Ejercito concluded.