THIS early in his career, Mapua star Clint Escamis has built a reputation as one of the most effective guards in the collegiate ranks.
For this 5-foot-11 floor general with a knack for making the big play, the ultimate dream is to one day fly the flag as a member of the Gilas Pilipinas national team.
READ All these players are willing to play for Gilas at SEA Games
With Gilas' 2025 Asia Cup campaign feeling more like a changing of the guard, the spotlight now turns to the program’s next wave of talents led by Kevin Quiambao.
If the national team comes knocking, the 24-year-old Escamis said he’ll be ready.
“I’d be more than willing to learn. Whatever the team needs, I’ll be that guy,” Escamis told SPIN.ph.
He recently steered the Cardinals to an NCAA Season 100 championship, where he was named Finals MVP.
Just a year earlier, he pulled off a rare sweep of major awards — Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Mythical Five, and All-Defensive Team honors.
But for Escamis, the goal has always been Gilas.
Like countless Filipino kids, he grew up imagining himself playing in the national colors, inspired by undersized but fearless guards before him.
Clint Escamis' Gilas idols
“Dream ko yun ever since I was a child,” he said. “Idol ko din sila Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro, the fact na ‘yung height nila under six feet and they can impact the game in so many ways…”
Still, Escamis believes his game fits the system of Gilas coach Tim Cone — and more importantly, he’s ready to embrace the grind.
“Coach Tim Cone is of the greatest [coaches]. If I ever get the opportunity, I’d give everything for the team under his system which I’m really a fan of,” he said.
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