LIFE without Titing Manalili has started off on the wrong foot for Letran.
But despite dropping a close 69-67 overtime defeat to Mapua on Monday, the Knights can take solace knowing that they have an asset in rookie Justin Cargo who's willing to carry that weight.
"Hindi naman. Ready naman ako sa challenge kasi kailangan ng team eh," said the Negrense guard who has slid back to the point guard position after thriving in the early stages of NCAA Season 102 as a two.
READ BY THE NUMBERS: Letran's life without Titing Manalili is tougher than it looks
Cargo performed admirably at the point, registering 10 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals in the tight defeat.
But the NCAA Season 101 Juniors Finals MVP knows that he still has a lot to work on, especially with his 4-of-14 field goal shooting leaving a lot to be desired.
And Cargo is choosing to remain optimistic, vowing to do better once he gets the ball anew.
"Siguro kailangan ko lang mag-extra work. Kasama yun sa challenges dito sa college eh. Kailangan lang pagdaanan," he said.
Letran coach Allen Ricardo, for his part, still exudes confidence on his rookie, keeping his faith while also seeing immense potential for him to take the leadership mantle in Manalili's absence.
"Malaking factor si Justin kasi as a rookie, nakikita mo na rin yung leadership sa kanya. He embraced the challenge, so nakikita mo na day-by-day, game-by-game, nagma-mature pa siya," said the mentor.
And Cargo is wasting no time showing that, telling the Knights to move forward as they try to weather this storm starting on Thursday against Jose Rizal University.
"Wag na lang nating isipin yung nangyari ngayon tsaka focus na lang tayo sa next game," he said.
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