GOING for broke.
That’s the mindset reigning NCAA MVP and Rookie of the Year Clint Escamis of Mapua University has adopted as he leads the Cardinals’ charge in the 100th NCAA basketball tournament.
“Finals. Wala nang paligoy-ligoy,” Escamis said of their goal for the new cage wars yesterday during the new season’s launch at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Intramuros-based crew reached the finals last year but fell to defending champion San Beda University in three games.
The 5-foot-11 Escamis said he is using last year’s heartbreak as a motivation, especially with the graduation of Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez.
“Sobrang heartbreaking sa amin, especially one game na lang. Day one ng practice namin, sinabi ni coach Randy (Alcantara) na kailangan naming bawiin, huwag nating i-forget iyong sakit na nararamdaman namin and turn that as motivation and inspiration,” Escamis said.
“Ako, hindi ko kinalimutan iyong sakit na iyon. Hindi naman ako umiyak pero I used that as motivation and fuel for this season.”
Escamis said rookies like Chris Hubilla, a former NCAA juniors Mythical team member, will have to promptly make an impact to help them.
“Noong (last season) games na iyon, medyo hindi pa ako matured noon. Right now, nag-focus ako sa maturity ko and finding my teammates more, making my teammates more involved. Iyon iyong kailangan ko kasi I’m expecting this season, iyong defense mas iba.
They know iyong performance ko last year, so kailangan ko talagang mag adjust,” he said.
“I’m here to show na as a leader, especially coming from Warren Bonifacio, may mga katulong naman ako tulad nila JC Recto, Joaquin Garcia, so malaking bagay na may katulong.
“Sinasabihan ko rin sila Cyrus Cuenco na hindi na kayo puwedeng manahimik ngayon. Wala na iyong mga Paolo Hernandez and Jopet Soriano, tayo na ang mga seniors ngayon. Since day one, inaayos namin iyong discipline and team chemistry.”
