Eat Big vs. Diet Hard: ALL-STAR Crushies Break the Tie

When it comes to fueling a body built for UP’s fast-paced, high-octane basketball, the question sounds simple enough: Eat a lot then work out a lot, or stick to a strict diet?
But as the ALL-STAR Crushies prove, the answers reveal something deeper: personality, discipline, metabolism, and the eternal college-athlete battle between cravings and conditioning.

The “Eat Now, Burn Later” Crew

A big chunk of the team belongs to the “I’ll-eat-what-I-want-then-work-it-off” faction—a philosophy powered by a young man’s metabolism and the confidence that comes from daily training.

UP’s Chicco Briones said it best: “I’d rather eat a lot then just work it out. Cause I mean, I don’t really wanna have like a strict diet, I just wanna eat anything I want, but I also wanna work it out.”

Dre Miller of Arellano University didn’t hesitate to echo him: “Me too, I can eat a lot too.”

Nathan Victoria agrees, saying: “I think I’d like to work it out, I don’t like having a diet.”

They’re joined UST’s Ice Danting, who was hilariously blunt: “I eat a lot because I don’t get fat.”

Jaime Gomez De Liano, who now plays for San Sebastian Golden Stags, added: “I eat a lot, especially when I’m at home.”

NU’s Mark Parks proudly declared: “I can eat anything, no restrictions.”

Letran Knights’ Chad Gammad kept the formula simple: “Me too, I like to eat a lot and just work it out after.”

And Desmond Coltan summed up the mindset shared by most of the squad: “Same, I would eat a lot and then work it out.”

It’s the classic athlete logic: If practice, weights, and conditioning burn through thousands of calories a week, why not enjoy every meal?

The “Strict Diet” Disciples

But not everyone bows to the buffet.

There’s a quieter but determined faction who treat nutrition as seriously as training, like a sign of both discipline and long-term ambition.

Ralph Caugiran keeps it simple: “I focus on a strict diet.”

UP sharpshooter JC Macalalag is equally clear-cut: “Strict Diet.”

Sean Salvador links his choice directly to his plans:
“Strict diet because I’m focusing on my basketball career.”

And then there’s Jommel Puno, who blends structure with sanity:
“Probably follow a low diet, but I treat myself every now and then.”

These are the players who see food as fuel — not just comfort, reward, or routine.

Two Sides, One Goal

Whether they’re polishing off plates or policing their macros, each player’s answer gives a glimpse into their lifestyle off the court.
Some rely on their metabolism. Some rely on discipline. Most rely on the simple fact that college basketball demands so much movement that a few Bánh Mìs won’t hurt.

In truth, both roads lead back to the same point: performing at their best.