HAROLD Alarcon might’ve had a career night in the UAAP, but nothing pleases him more than reaching new highs in pursuit of building his character both as a basketball player and as a person.
The University of the Philippines’ senior star guard had the game of his life with 33 points and five assists to deny University of the East an outright Final Four berth.
READ: Alarcon, UP shoot down UE's bid for outright entry to Final Four
It would be the third time in Season 87 for a player to surpass the 30-point mark after La Salle MVP Kevin Quiambao’s 33 and FEU super rookie Veejay Pre’s 31.
Prior to his hottest shooting night yet, however, Alarcon shared how he’s been dealing with a rough patch in finding his groove in the homestretch of his fourth year as Fighting Maroon.
Still, as his longtime mentor Goldwin Monteverde put it, Alarcon’s lowest on the court paved the way for him to be at his best off of it.
“Kinakausap naman ako palagi ni coach Gold at ‘yung tiwala niya sa’kin, hindi naman nawawala. Gina-guide niya lang ako kasi every person, every athlete, dadaan talaga sa ganito,” Alarcon shared with SPIN.ph.
“Magkakatalo na lang sa kung paano haharapin ‘yung mga moments na ‘yun kung susuko ka ba, kasi ‘yung basketball will develop you as a person and sometimes, will reveal (who) you (are) as a person.”
Test of championship character
The UP senior’s growth will be put to the test once more come the Final Four.
After two straight championship heartbreaks, falling down a third time isn’t anywhere near Alarcon’s mind - and he remains laser-focused on realizing the title dream one more time in his maroon-and-green career.
“Gigil kami, pero ‘yung composure namin, nandyan. Mahirap din kapag sobrang gigil kasi hindi ka rin masyadong makakapag-isip ‘pag clouded ka na sa gigil mo," he said.
Alarcon furthered, “Wala akong iniisip sa expectations na ‘yun as long as nandun ‘yung satisfaction ko lang sa sarili ko na every game, binibigay ko lahat.”
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