THROUGHOUT James Payosing’s residency before getting to suit up for the University of the Philippines, only one thing was on his mind: reintroducing himself when his time finally came.
READ: Payosing settling in as glue guy for redemption-seeking UP
The former NCAA Finals MVP from San Beda had plenty to prove when he decided to take on the bigger challenge of transferring to Diliman - and all the while he was hard at work at it, a new motivation arrived for the 6-foot-2 wing.
And that’s his new family.
Off the court, the 23 year old had plenty of milestones to take inspiration from this year, with his favorite being his marriage to his girlfriend Ashley de Gorostiza.
Even better, the newlyweds have more blessings in store, as they are now expecting their first child.
“We're expecting a baby na din,” James shared with SPIN.ph, furthering that Ashley is nearing the tailend of her pregnancy. “Extra motivation sa akin na ayusin pa lalo.”
For the future
Since his arrival to the Fighting Maroons, Payosing has seen his fair share of growth on the court.
Now, with another major life change on the horizon, the forward from Surigao del Sur has found an even more fulfilling reason to give it his all this season.
“Nag-e-enjoy ako and at the same time, ine-embrace ko yung journey na 'to na, ayun, I'm expecting a baby,” said Payosing, who is averaging averaging 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists for league-leading State U.
“Talagang dedicated ko yung yung effort ko and motivation ko this season kasi magkaroon ako ng pamilya.”
If people were to ask Payosing about his motivation heading into this season, his answer was always redemption - for both himself and the maroon-and-green.
While that remains the mission, another personal goal has been set in the Payosing household: welcoming their newest addition to the family, hopefully, as champions.
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