EVEN in defeat, there are moments that mean much more than the final score.
That happened for University of the East in its 97-109 loss to University of Santo Tomas, as rookie Dylan Despi was shining, shimmering, and splendid.
The first-year guard tallied 17 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, showcasing scoring prowess that would be much-welcome for this long-suffering program, especially with the impending departures of co-captains John Abate and Wello Lingolingo.
Despi first earned significant minutes when Linglingo served a three-game suspension, and, without a doubt, made the most of that opportunity.
Now with Abate having played his last game for Recto due to injury, the 6-foot Bacolod native has once again stepped into a larger role - and is proving he can carry a heavier burden in the red-and-white backcourt.
“Si John mismo at si coach [Chris Gavina] nagsasabi na kailangan may mag-step up talaga kasi alam namin malaking role ‘yung sa kanya,” Despi said.
“Nung na-suspend si Wello, grinab ko lang din ‘yung opportunity at hindi ko sinayang ‘yung tiwala ni coach.”
Despi admitted that it took him a while to find his rhythm in his first year in the senior ranks, even though he was a blue-chip recruit coming out of high school.
“Hindi din naman ako nabibigyan ng gano’ng time since first game. Nag-sink in lang sa mind ko na hindi pala kaya ng kung sino lang yung starter namin o kung sino lang mga main guy namin. Kailangan ko talaga pala mag-step up at mga teammates ko din,” he said.
Dylan does damage
The Red Warriors are still winless this season at 0-12, with only two games remaining, but performances like Despi’s offer a glimpse of hope for the future.
In a team struggling to find its footing, the neophyte's confidence, work ethic, and all-around contributions are exactly the kind of spark UE needs, as it looks toward next year.
“Alam namin na wala na kami ngayong season, pero looking forward kami next season na mas kaya namin,” he added.
And if Despi keeps this up, who says they can't, right?
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