Rollers dedicate Vegas ‘ship to coach Joe’s dad

The triumphant Rollers team pose for a photo after winning the championship of the 2022 Las Vegas Fil-Am Basketball Tournament last weekend. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Rollers won the championship of the 2022 Las Vegas Fil-Am Basketball Tournament this weekend and promptly dedicated the title to coach Joe Diaz’s father, Vicente Teregeyo, who recently passed.

Thanks to two clutch free throws by June Christian Alipio with less than 30 seconds to go, Rollers was able to edge Awit Lods, 44-40, in the one-game championship this past weekend.

Playing coach Manny Matagolai, who was one of the sharpshooters of Diaz when he suited up for Garapan Rollers, said his teammates had their former coach in their hearts during the finals.

“We chose to dedicate this to coach Joe. He taught us the game of basketball. He showed us how to be the best that we can be. Be our best on and off the court. He told us that there are so many opportunities out here. Work hard and you’ll get where you want to be,” he said.

Matagolai also extended the team’s sincere condolences to Diaz and his family.

“To one of our greatest supporters, Uncle Ben and coach Joe’s dad, rest in peace and thank you for always being at our games. Win or lose, he was always there,” he said.

The Rollers playing coach added that it was really fulfilling to finally hit pay dirt in the Las Vegas tournament.

“We were due for it… the first one was when we went to Arizona, got players from here in Las Vegas, combined with Arizona and Washington. We just want to show everyone that basketball doesn’t stop just because we left home.”

The Rollers finished the eliminations with a 7-3 win-loss record, including one forfeit, before steamrolling their way to the championship. 

Asked why they continued to carry the Rollers name despite years and nearly 10,000 kilometers away from Saipan, Matagolai said his original team is simply in his veins.

“I’m a diehard Rollers player. It will be my team name ‘til the end. Everyone that played and was taught by coach Joe knows that when you see your Rollers anywhere, you know where you came from. That name reminds me of home. No matter where I am.”

Rollers’ June Christian Alipio was also named tourney MVP after the competition. Aside from hitting those two clutch free throws, the son of longtime Saipan resident June Sr. also had 14 points in the finals. 

“I’m honored I received the MVP award and want to thank each of my teammates for their effort. It took a lot of communication and hard work for our team to get the dub so shoutout to our Rollers coach Manny for bringing this team together to share our love for basketball.”

The younger Alipio said more than the MVP, he’s also thrilled to finally nail a championship for his old and new team Rollers.

“I am very excited our team won the 2022 Las Vegas Fil-Am Basketball Tournament championship. We’ve competed together in other tournaments and we are all proud to earn our first championship in the U.S. representing Rollers.”

Like Matagolai, he also dedicated the championship to Diaz and his dear departed dad.

“It means a lot to me, my teammates, and our families to win this championship especially because we dedicate this win to our coach Joe Diaz back home on Saipan and his late father.”

Aside from the Alipios and Matagolai, the rest of the champion Rollers team is made up of Angelo Factor, T.J. Factor, Prince Factor, Emman Cobacha, John John Capuyon, Jeron Ano, John Kintz, Johnrey Giles, Kenji Abobo, and Lester Vertudez.