🏈 RONZONE TWINS: BUILT DIFFERENT

For most athletes, transitioning from American basketball to Philippine basketball comes with an adjustment period. For Cade and Austin Ronzone, it became a complete shift in mindset.

The Filipino-American twins arrived in the Philippines carrying impressive basketball resumes, having previously suited up for the Arizona State Sun Devils basketball before eventually committing to the Adamson Soaring Falcons for UAAP. Expectations followed them immediately — partly because of their US college background, but also because basketball has always surrounded their lives. Their father, Tony Ronzone, is one of the most respected international scouts in basketball circles and has worked closely with Filipino star Kai Sotto.

But despite the pedigree, the twins quickly realized that Philippine basketball demanded something different from them.

“The physicality,” both immediately say when asked about the biggest culture shock.

“In the states there’s more finesse and getting around defenders,” Austin explains. “Out here they really embrace the contact and thrive in it. I’ve learned to love it as well.”

Cade agrees, pointing out how every game in the Philippines feels personal regardless of the setting. Whether they were playing inside packed arenas or on rough outdoor courts, there was always intensity, noise, and emotion. “Everyone is ready to bring it,” he says, laughing as he recalls how the loud drums during games initially caught him off guard.

Joining Bacolod Masskara marked another turning point in their careers. Following the end of their collegiate run with Adamson in late 2025, the twins officially turned professional in April 2026. For both Cade and Austin, the move felt bigger than simply joining another team. It represented a chance to continue building their names in Philippine basketball while embracing the Filipino side of their identity even more deeply.

“It feels awesome,” Austin says about representing Bacolod. “Our family is from Davao City, but we have loads of friends from Bacolod, so there’s already a connection there.”

Cade shares the same excitement, mentioning how grateful they are for the opportunity and how much support they’ve already received from local fans. “Filipino support is real,” he says. “No matter where you are.”

Off the court, the Ronzone twins have also quietly built visibility beyond basketball. Their athletic image, mixed with their easygoing personalities and strong sense of style, naturally opened doors into modeling and commercial work, landing endorsements with major sports brands like Puma. Yet despite the campaigns and growing attention online, the twins still come across more like competitive brothers joking around than polished celebrities trying too hard to curate an image.

That dynamic becomes obvious the moment they start talking about each other.

Asked if they’ve ever intentionally switched places to confuse teammates, Cade admits they probably got away with it when they were younger because they looked more alike back then. Austin instantly interrupts the narrative.

“Never lol,” he says. “We don’t look very alike. Although I’m sure he wishes he did.”

The teasing never really stops between them. When asked who’s more competitive during training, Cade diplomatically says they both hate losing and naturally push each other every day. Austin, meanwhile, immediately claims the title for himself. “Me one hundred percent,” he says. “As long as I’m playing well too then maybe I can accept a loss every now and then.”

Even their teammates apparently aren’t safe from that energy. Asked who’s more likely to start an argument during practice, Cade laughs before pointing directly at his brother. Austin shrugs it off and jokes that it probably depends on “who’s playing worst.”

Still, beneath all the jokes is a genuine respect for each other’s work ethic. Cade admires Austin’s eagerness and energy, while Austin points to Cade’s grit and consistency. They both describe themselves as gym rats, often staying after practice together to rebound for one another or play extra one-on-one games long after official training ends.

“When one’s in the gym, the other usually is too,” Austin says.

Their personalities off the court also reveal how different they actually are despite being twins. Cade tends to be more structured and methodical. Before games, he likes to go through shooting drills, ball-handling routines, eat a large meal hours before tip-off, and then listen to podcasts to mentally prepare himself. Austin’s process sounds far less conventional.

“I’ll put my face into water and just try to lock in while my face is submerged,” he says casually.

Their music tastes split in different directions too. Cade rotates between Dominic Fike and Michael Jackson before training, while Austin leans toward Dominic Fike, Bad Bunny, and house music because he likes feeling “like it’s a party” before workouts.

Food conversations become equally chaotic. Cade says pasta usually hits best after wins, while Austin insists his cravings entirely depend on his mood, although he randomly admits that a hamburger sounds good “right now.”

Despite the humor and laid-back energy, both twins become noticeably more serious when talking about legacy and the future.

Cade says he wants to leave behind something meaningful — not just as a player, but as a person capable of helping others and making his family proud. Austin echoes the same feeling, saying he hopes to build something lasting beyond basketball itself.

And while they remain open about not knowing exactly where basketball will eventually take them — whether that’s the PBA, overseas leagues, or another unexpected opportunity — both seem grounded in gratitude more than pressure.

“For me, I’m just grateful to be where I am,” Austin says. “Wherever this game takes us, I’d be happy.”

Cade carries a similar perspective. More than proving critics wrong or chasing outside validation, he simply wants to know he gave the game everything he had.

“I don’t want to have regrets in life,” he says. “I want to live it to the fullest.”

Austin’s answer, naturally, is shorter and more direct.

“I want to prove that I am who I say I am.”

Different personalities. Different energies. Same hunger.

The Ronzone twins may have arrived in Philippine basketball as intriguing imports from the US system, but somewhere between the bruising practices, loud drums  and endless one-on-one sessions together, they’ve become something much more interesting:

Two brothers building their own identity on their own terms.

#CoolVarsity #CoolisinSession

Photography: Vyn Radovan

Art Direction: Kyla Tuazon

HMUA: Team Muriel Vega Perez

Styling: Edrick Paz