FOR a prospect who came in with such fanfare, Henry Galinato believes that he could have done more for University of the Philippines.
Henry Galinato on lone UP year
"I didn't start the best, but I felt like throughout the whole season, I just needed confidence and encouragement from my teammates," said the burly 6-foot-6 banger.
Truthfully, the whole UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament was a struggle for Galinato.
Averaging only 4.3 points and 3.8 rebounds, the 25-year-old was largely used as an off-the-bench option for the Fighting Maroons -- far from what's expected from him after transferring from Benedictine University Mesa in Arizona.
But a decent performance in UP's 76-71 first round win over Ateneo back in Oct. 16 allowed the Fil-Am to calm down and slowly gotten the feel for his role in the team.
"The Ateneo game in the first round really helped and it just kept building and building," he said.
He posted his best game in Game Three of the Finals where he had 12 points, and seven rebounds, but unfortunately it ended in a 75-68 defeat as the Fighting Maroons were dethroned by the Blue Eagles.
Though it's not the result Galinato wanted in his one-and-done year, he did say that he tried to do all he could to help UP succeed.
"Overall, I felt like I played pretty decent," he said before expressing his gratitude to the Diliman community which welcomed him with open arms.
"I'm pretty happy. I love the UP community and I'm just happy to have played for this team."
Still, Galinato can't wait for what the future holds for him as he wants to push himself harder for what's ahead.
"I don't think I fully have shown my full potential. I'm really excited for the future. I feel like you can expect more, but I feel like I should be in better shape," he said, with his eyes firmly set on one day playing in the PBA.
"I'm gonna entertain anything but I'd love to play in the PBA."
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