ENCHO Serrano no longer contemplates on ‘what ifs’ following the UAAP ruling that declared him ineligible for Season 79 and forfeited the won games of the Adamson Baby Falcons, eliminating them from the Final Four race and taking him out of the MVP award.
Serrano said he has already moved on but admitted that he was hurt from the UAAP board's decision, which led to the forfeiture of 12 games, 11 of which were won matches, as the Baby Falcons finished with a 2-12 win-loss record.
“Siyempre, hindi maiwasan na masaktan at ma-down. Siguro parte na rin ng buhay ‘yun na daranas ka talaga ng hirap. Kailangan labanan mo ‘yung pagsubok na darating sayo. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko naman,” said Serrano on Monday.
“Siguro sa una, nasaktan ako pero tapos na eh. Wala na. Kailangan mag-move on na at ‘wag na sigurong isipin,” he added.
Serrano was ruled ineligible by the UAAP Board after it was found out that he had enrolled Grade 7 at St. Vincent Academy in Apalit, Pampanga, a fact that was not disclosed. Adamson officials reiterated the non-disclosure has no effect on the player’s playing years in the UAAP.
Instead of sulking at the decision, Serrano is now looking forward to next season where he can hopefully play for the Baby Falcons.
“Kung mabibigyan pa ako ng pagkakataon na maglaro next year, next year na lang po. Mas kumpleto na at aayusin na talaga,” said Serrano, referring to his documents.
Serrano said the incident has made him more determined to improve as a basketball player, after facing trials this early in his career.
“Sa palagay ko, nasubukan ko sarili ko. Mas naging matatag ako. Mas pinaghihirapan ko pa ‘yung ensayo ko at gusto ko pa mag-improve,” said Serrano.
The UAAP ruling, though, didn’t stop Serrano from being chosen as part of the 26 players for the NBTC High School All-Star Game.
Serrano is grateful to have been selected by the coaches, as he also got the highest score among the All-Stars with 87.9 percent. Serrano, along with his teammates with the North All-Stars, attended practice on Monday with PBA champion coach Jong Uichico as their mentor for the March 16 showcase at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sobrang saya rin naman na masama sa All-Star sa NBTC. Nakaka-excite lang. Masaya at thankful ako sa Panginoon na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon dito,” said Serrano.