IT was probably the worst ending to an otherwise illustrious collegiate career.
Clint Escamis ended his NCAA Season 101 campaign by being ejected with nearly a full quarter to go as Mapua got booted out of contention after a 74-72 loss to College of St. Benilde in the quarterfinals.
Underwhelming might be a terrible understatement to describe Escamis’ run as he only averaged 10 points, four assists and 2.8 rebounds on a dismal 30.2 percent efficiency.
In the quarterfinals, Escamis’ performance dipped even further. The former NCAA MVP and Finals MVP finished with just 2.5 points per game and went an astonishing 0-of-16 from the field in the two games combined.
Escamis pinned his struggles to his nagging knee, particularly in the lateral and medial meniscus, something he only disclosed now after reporters pressed him on that steep decline when it comes to this season.
Additionally, he also hyperextended his elbow during their lone encounter with Perpetual.
“Every game I felt yung knee ko sobrang swelling talaga. I’ve been recovering, I’ve been on pain medications all throughout the season, every game. Di ko naman sinisisi na yun, pero nagkulang din talaga ako,” Escamis said.
“Syempre andun yung frustration, andun yung feeling bad. Pero para sa akin I gave it all on the defense.”
READ: St. Benilde holds off Mapua to forge semis clash with San Beda
His bad season was only further highlighted with his decision to play out his final year for Mapua.
After seemingly winning everything he can in his collegiate career, a championship and an MVP, many people expected Escamis to turn pro with his stock on an all-time high.
But Escamis decided against it and ran it back for one last time with the Cardinals, a decision that in hindsight proved to be terrible.
Still, the former Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Year isn’t looking back in regret with his decision.
“No regrets. Especially this year, ang dami pa rin ako natutunan. Kahit senior na ako, champion ako last year. No regrets pa rin ako kasi alam ko naman madami ako naapektuhan na younger guys, na motivate, na tulungan para for setup saan man sila,” he said.
And despite the possible effect of this terrible season on his professional basketball prospect, Escamis doesn’t mind – it’s all about giving back to the school which took him in and allowed him to grow into the player that he is today.
“Okay lang sa akin kasi for me, coming back, hindi ko naman inaano na bababa yung draft stock ko eh. Inaano ko lang for the school, for the one who gave me the chance, coach Randy,” he said.
“It's my way of giving back. Especially, dami din nagtatanong, ‘are you sure you're going back?’ For me, I've never been more sure.”
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