CLINT ESCAMIS’ swan song for Mapua hasn’t lived up to expectations as inconsistencies have hounded not only him, but the entire Cardinals squad as well for the duration of the NCAA Season 101.
So he was certainly relieved to finally get back to the win column on Friday by beating the league-leading Perpetual Altas no less.
But it wasn't his game-high 18 markers which had him break out of personal slump which truly makes him satisfied. It was his effort on the defensive end.
READ: Mapua plays best game yet in vengeful win over Perpetual Help
In their statement victory on Friday, Escamis led the charge in holding off Perpetual’s top scorers, specifically matching up against Mark Gojo Cruz, who was limited to just eight points.
“Para sa akin, i take it as a point na gusto kong i-guard yung mga best players kasi gusto ko ipakita sa team na willing ako mag-give up ng mga points para sa team. We’ll lead by example. Syempre, makikita nila, then mas gaganahan sila sa defense," he said.
“Offense will follow kasi tignan mo nga yung ginagawa namin, lalay-up nalang kami pag nakakastops kami. So ang dali ng trabaho namin sa opensa pag dumedepensa kami.“
For Escamis, this is game is exactly what he needs as the league enters its homestretch.
“Magandang sign din yun para sa akin, siyempre tao din tayo, nawawalan ng kumpiyansa, nagkakaroon ng kumpiyansa. Even if you’re the best player in the world, you have to have that.”
“Kailangan lang talaga namin magkaisa sa court, lalo na sa defense. Alam namin na kaya ng isa sa amin, pero its the willingness to surrender to the coaches, to the team, to the open man.”
A future beyond Mapua
While Mapua has undoubtedly clung to the shoulders of Escamis during tough games time and time again, the Manila-born guard has also been preparing for a future where he isn’t the go-to star.
To be in a better position in the future, however, Escamis has taken the challenge of developing into being a role player to fit in to wherever he may play in the future.
“Sinasabi naman nila na syempre last year ko na, if ever you’re gonna go to pro, hindi naman star player kaagad diyan eh. Feel ko yung para sa akin yung ginagawa kong example, pwede akong mag-gel kahit saan.”
And though most people’s verdict on the senior skipper is that he has nothing left to prove in the NCAA, Escamis begs to differ, as new seasons always summon new challenges for him.
“You have to gel with the rules that are given. Pinapractice ko din dito, at the same time hindi ko pa din kinakalimutan yung role ko dito as a team captain, as a leading scorer, and MVP dati. Kailangan ko ipakita ‘yun,” he added.
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