SEAN Alter busted out for the University of the Philippines as they rolled to their fifth win in a row in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, Thursday at San Juan's Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Alter fired nine of his 19 points in the Fighting Maroons' 28-11 second quarter that overturned a two-point deficit and built up a 44-39 halftime lead they would never relinquish. He also added four rebounds, while Dikachi Udodo contributed 20 markers and six boards.
"Losing Malick [Diouf], it's big shoes to fill. Si Sean, from yung first year niya, what he is now, he's been really working hard. We're happy we can see improvements from him," said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Indeed, the 6-foot-8, Filipino-American turned in one of his best games for State U, after only averaging 1.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14 games in UAAP Season 86. Not only that, he and the rest of UP failed to reclaim the crown and ended as runner-up for the second straight year.
"I'm so ready. I've been ready since last season. Using that championship game, it hurts so much. We wanna do better and keep improving every day," he said.
Alter the timeline
Of course, it didn't hurt that Alter got more fuel for his fire after Alas Pilipinas' historic bronze medal in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women last Wednesday.
READ: Alas repeats over Aussies for first-ever AVC Challenge Cup podium finish
Why, you ask? Is he a big volleyball fan?
Well, let's just say the 20 year old got motivated after the Philippines' first-ever podium finish in an AVC event. Monteverde himself said so.
"Yes," the UP mentor chimed in - with a rare, yet knowing smile - when Alter was asked if he was inspired by Alas and a particular player there.
Just last week, Alter and Philippine national team middle blocker Thea Gagate became an official item.
And for sure, Gagate's big win was a cause for celebration and inspiration for Alter.
"Yes. I was very fired up," he exclaimed after finally getting the chance to answer the post-game question.
Hopefully for the Fighting Maroons' faithful, the inspiration continues at the same time as his determination.
"I'm ready. The team's ready. We're improving every day, and that's what matters to us," he said.
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