Eastside boys basketball player Audric Garciso didn’t make the freshman or sophomore basketball teams at Buchholz.
He also sat on the bench during his junior season at Eastside.
But on Thursday, he locked down a college basketball opportunity when he signed with Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT University) in the Philippines.
“I am so proud of myself for managing to get to this level,” he said. “I started from the bottom four years ago. When I started training seriously, I really had that self-doubt. I was given an opportunity two years ago. I’m kind of shocked because I never thought I would be able to do this.”
He said it’s a long story as to why he ended up deciding to play in the Philippines, but he has lots of family there, and a house to stay in. He said he feels “safe” there.
“My parents just really wanted me to go back there and get my education there and they want me to be independent there, survive there,” said Garciso, who actually grew up in California. “I don’t even speak the language there. Honestly, I don’t know how it’s going to pan out, but I’m just glad that I have an opportunity to play basketball there.”
Other colleges in Manila expressed interest, but they didn’t offer what he wanted to study.
“I really didn’t want to study in something that I don’t really like,” he said. “I’m planning to do nursing…I like the idea of being a nurse. My mom’s a nurse and that kind of inspired me.”
Garciso is the first Eastside boys basketball player to sign collegiately since a trio of Rams signed in 2021.
“It’s important when the younger guys get a chance to see a kid in their time get a chance to play basketball again,” said Herman “Pop” Williams, who was honored in December after serving his 28th season as head coach. “To me, it makes me feel good as a coach, as long as I’ve been here. It’s a big plus for the program.”
Garciso’s work ethic is what sets him apart.
“He puts a lot in the game,” Williams said. “He practices early and he’s the last one to leave. He just loves the gym, and a great kid.”
As a senior, Garciso (6’1) averaged just 3.6 points per game, but Williams said his best basketball is still ahead.
“He’s very athletic,” Williams said. “He can get to the basket, nice handle, but if you see his leaping ability, it’s great for a kid like that. He needs the physical part a little bit, but the dribbling part, passing, nice shot. He works on his shot…a kid that I enjoyed coaching, always smiling.”
Garciso was in more of a “learning” role during his junior season, but when his senior year came around, he took it upon himself to start fulfilling a dream.
The senior captain had a couple of big games during the preseason, but he had his coming out game in the home opener against P.K. Yonge on Dec. 6 when he scored 14 points.
That’s when he said, “I can do this.”
“I went 7-of-8 from the free throw line, I made my shots,” he said. “I basically put the team on my back, and that just felt good.”
He’s hoping to improve his skill level so he can become a point guard, but he currently sees himself as a shooting guard.
“I’m more of like a slasher,” Garciso said. “My game is very basic, but it really just gets the job done. I really don’t have to do anything fancy…I just rely on my athleticism and my shooting.”
He credits his dad, who also played college basketball in the Philippines, for sending out film.
“He has a lot of connections there,” Garciso said. “I’d like to thank my dad, my trainers, and Coach Pop because he helped me and really trusted me to put the team on my back. I’m just happy where I’m at.”