LET James Payosing be a reminder to everyone that hard work will always pay off in the end.
By knowing his role and embracing it to the fullest, the 6-2 forward played an instrumental role in bringing San Beda back to the Promised Land following a pulsating three-game series victory over Mapua in the NCAA Season 99 Finals.
His 11-point, 14-rebound performance in their 76-66 Game 3 win just punctuated his solid work from both ends in the series – enough for him to be adjudged the Finals MVP – in what was a surprise to many, him included.
“Hindi ko ineexpect eh. Inalam ko lang talaga ang role ko. Yung main man namin si Jacob (Cortez) talaga ang front tanamin, ako naman nasa likod lang ni Jacob, umaalalay lang sa kanila, sa team, kung ano man ang role ko, rebound, defense, yung mga score ko bonus nalang yun,” he said.
But just because it came as a surprise, doesn’t mean it comes undeserved.
Payosing posted averages of 9.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game but not seen in the stat sheet are all the tapped 50-50 balls, the defensive plays, and the energy that he brings from opening tip to the final buzzer.
ESCUETA HAILS PAYOSING
While many were taken aback, his head coach, Yuri Escueta, is anything but surprised, recognizing the immense value the sophomore from Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, brings to the team.
“I think he’s deserving. He stepped up in the fourth quarter when some of the guys were down because of cramps,” Escueta said, noting how Jacob Cortez and Yukien Andrada all dealt with cramps in the end game.
“That’s our strength. Alam ko guys love Jacob Cortez, but this is basketball, we build this around 15 players in the line-up, we build this around 15 players during practices, and we teach everyone how to play basketball.”
It has been a long and eventful journey for Payosing, and he’d always be grateful for the trust that Escueta gave to him.
His rookie year was hampered by a fractured left hand, forcing the team to place him on the reserve list at the start of Season 98.
But he didn’t let that deter him as he worked his way back to fitness, earned his spot in the rotation, and in Season 99 became an integral part of the Red Lions’ starting unit, a key piece to the league’s best defense.
FROM ZERO TO HERO
“Dumating ako sa Manila, zero ako sa knowledge sa basketball. Sobrang patient ni coach sakin. Tinuturuan ako lagi, na ganito lang, kung ano pinagagawa niya sakin, sobrang dali lang ng panahon and then andito na kami champion na,” he shared.
While getting that finals MVP plum was far from his mind, Payosing is nonetheless grateful to be recognized especially with all the hours that he’s put into improving himself, away from the prying eyes of fans and the press.
Now he can consider himself paid.
“Siguro [ito yung] payday ko kasi ako lang ang nakakaalam sa mga hard work na ginawa ko para sa team,” he said.
“Basta manalo lang kami gagawin ko lahat para sa kanila. Committed ako sa kanila.”
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