MAR Prado has carved a reputation as one of the most lethal scorers in the amateurs today.
The Adamson hotshot even scored 40 points this past UAAP Season 82, making her only the fourth player to breach that mark in the women's game.
But through all of Prado's exploits, all her coach Ewon Arayi wanted was for the 24-year-old to follow her footsteps and earn a spot in the national team.
Lo and behold, she found her way to the women's national team, being a late replacement following the ACL injury of Gemma Miranda.
Prado then knew that she had to prove she deserved her spot.
"Ako po yung rookie," she acknowledged, holding her nerves as the Philippines aimed for the gold in the regional conclave.
"Kabado ako pero iniisip ko lang na para sa bayan, para sa mga sumusuporta sa Pilipinas kaya ginagawa ko yung best ko, at ginagawa ng mga ate ko yung best nila."
Little as her time may be on the court, Prado was a spark nonetheless, blending well with her teammates as Gilas Women rose to the peak and won their first-ever gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Easily, it's the biggest achievement the Pangasinense has had in her life.
"Syempre sobrang saya ko na first medal ko at first time ko rin nakasali dito sa SEA Games," said the top scorer this past UAAP season and a member of the Mythical Team.
"Syempre nandyan yung kaba and saya na hindi masabi, halo halo na siya. Pero blessed ako kasi nanalo kami ng first gold sa SEA Games."
With this experience in tow, Prado's future is surely shining brighter than ever.
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