KEM Sabsalon always took Mapua University coach Randy Alcantara’s words to heart.
That’s why when he was named as replacement for MC Cuenco in the 2023 Hanes 1-on-1 King on the Hardcourt tournament, he knew better to repay that faith by always performing at his best.
“Lagi lang nilang sinasabi sa akin na magtiwala sa sarili ko. Kayang kaya ko daw. Naglalaro nga kami ng one-on-one sa practice eh, wala naman pinagkaiba dito,” he said.
True enough, Sabsalon became P20,000 richer after beating Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Ruzzel Dominguez in the championship game.
Buoyed by the confidence given to him by the Cardinals, the Butuan native drilled the game-winning jumper in overtime to become the fourth King of the Hardcourt in the annual Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
He joins College of St. Benilde’s Prince Carlos, Letran’s King Caralipio, and Arellano University’s Niel Tolentino as the winners of the unique fixture in the premier preseason tourney.
Triumphant and all, Sabsalon still gave a toast to those who believed in him since day one.
“Binigay ito nila coach sa akin eh. Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala nila kaya sila yung naging inspiration ko sa bawat laro ko,” he said.
