From Cebu to Madrid: Camp Opportunity for Henry Suico

Henry Suico is on the verge of a rare opportunity, one that could shape the next stage of his young basketball career.

In the coming weeks, the Cebuano guard is set to travel to Madrid to train at an elite camp under top Spanish coaches, immersing himself in one of the world’s most respected basketball development systems.

“Being invited to train in Madrid with some of the best Spanish coaches and to practice with one of the top academies in Spain is a huge honor and an inspiring opportunity for me,” Suico said.

“It is not something that happens every day, and I truly feel grateful to be given this chance.”

For him, the goal is not to rush expectations, but to focus on daily improvement. “Once I am there, I plan to give my best, stay focused, and take everything one day at a time. I am excited to see what Spain has in store for me, and I’m ready to work hard and make the most of this invitation.”

The door to Madrid opened through the Bayanihan Elite Basketball Program in the United Kingdom, founded by Alex Arcilla.

Suico’s former coach in Cebu, Leo Casinillo, who also serves as head coach of Bayanihan Elite, recommended him for the opportunity.

From there, Arcilla coordinated with contacts connected to the Spanish national team coaching staff.

“My former coach in Cebu, Coach Leo Casinillo, recommended me to Coach Alex,” Suico shared. “After that, Coach Alex communicated with the coaches in Spain on my behalf. A short time later, I received a message informing me that I had been invited to train in Madrid. I am very thankful for the support and belief that made this opportunity possible.”

What excites Suico most is the level of mentorship he is about to receive.

He will be guided by Luis Guil, a former assistant coach of the Spanish national team now serving as assistant coach of Real Madrid, along with Jorge Gonzalez, also an assistant coach of the Spanish national team.

“What excites me most is the chance to be coached by top-level Spanish coaches with elite experience,” Suico said. “I was told that some of these coaches have trained high-caliber players such as the Gasol brothers, Rudy Fernández, and even Luka Dončić when he was younger.”

That pedigree is not lost on him, especially given his own steady rise through Philippine basketball.

From his time with the Ateneo de Cebu program to strong performances in CESAFI and development exposure such as the NBA Academy Asia camp, Suico has built a reputation as a hardworking guard willing to learn.

Experiencing the Spanish style of basketball, known for its structure, spacing, and discipline, is something he finds deeply motivating.

“Being able to learn from that level of coaching and to experience the Spanish style of training and basketball is something I find truly motivating,” he said.

Despite the excitement, there is also a sense of uncertainty.

“What makes me nervous is my Schengen visa application,” Suico admitted. “I’m hopeful it will be approved, but of course it’s the main factor that will determine whether I can attend. I’m praying everything goes smoothly.”

Once in Madrid, Suico’s goals are clear and grounded. “My main goal is to absorb everything the coaches will teach me, both physically and mentally, and to improve as much as possible as a player,” he said.

He wants to elevate his game by embracing the professionalism and attention to detail that define Spanish basketball development, seeing the camp as a chance to grow not just as an athlete, but as a student of the game.

Beyond personal growth, Suico hopes the experience carries a wider meaning.

“At the same time, I hope this opportunity can help open doors for Filipinos who also dream of playing or training in Spain and other parts of Europe,” he said.

“I believe that if I perform well and show my ability, this experience can create more opportunities not only for me but also for other Filipino athletes in the future.”

As he prepares for Madrid, Suico carries with him not only his own ambitions, but the hopes of young players who see his journey as proof that global doors can open from Cebu.

For more of our coverage on Cebu sports and Cebuano athletes, view here.