WITH Chito Victolero back at the helm, Mapua has the entire Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup to work out the kinks in its post-Clint Escamis era.
Only, the Cardinals may very well have another Escamis in their hands in the form of incoming rookie guard Jamal Diaz.
Aside from playing the same position at point, the two also share the similar roots of suiting up for the University of the East before making their way to Intramuros.
But of course, before any comparisons between Diaz and his title and MVP-winning predecessor could be taken seriously, there is much work to be done for the 5-foot-9 neophyte.
Fortunately for Diaz, Victolero knows a thing or two about Escamis’ body of work, having been around him in some capacity from high school all the way to college.
“I know Clint since high school and I think it was a process also for Clint, until nung naging senior siya, naging junior siya. Tapos yan, nakuha niya yung MVP,” said the comebacking coach, who was ever-supportive of his alma mater even when it wasn't in an official capacity.
As for Victolero’s first and foremost piece of advice for the playmaker out of Muntinlupa?
“Kailangan na lang siguro niya is the mindset, the character that he needs to build. Hindi man katulad ni Clint Escamis, right? Malapitan o malampasan, we don't know, pero hindi siya nasa-satisfied doon sa regular practice,” he said.
“I think Jamal has the skills, but ang importante, sabi ko lang sa kanya, tiyagain niya at saka madaming trabaho, hard work. Ganun din naman si Clint eh, nagsimula lang din sa extra."
Just do it, Jamal
Whether or not he does reach the great heights Escamis once did, Diaz is already making his mark in Mapua.
That much was evident when he turned in an impressive debut as a starter for Victolero, scoring 11 points, while also adding five assists and four rebounds in their tournament-opening triumph over Lyceum.
“Combination of veterans and rookies ang team eh. With the veterans, they need the support ng mga bago. Wala kaming gitna eh; we have veterans and rookies," said Victolero of his prized prospect's contributions to backstop veteran Yam Concepcion.
"So that’s why I told them (rookies), they need to fast-track their mental toughness and mental IQ para mas maganda yung showing namin ngayon.”
For his part, Diaz is eager to make sure he doesn't let his mentor down.
As he put it, “Ine-embrace ko lang yung pinapagawa ni coach 'tsaka yung gusto niya ipagawa sa akin, ina-adapt ko lang.”
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