BRACE for the worst, coaches would always say.
PJ Palacielo did, but that still didn't prepare him for the disastrous season that unfolded for National University last year.
From the shock departures of Joe Gulapa and Drex delos Reyes for Mapua to Mo Diassana’s injury in the first game of the season, the Bulldogs’ frontline took hit after hit that it truly was a nightmare of a season for the Jhocson crew.
“Sobrang hirap talaga kaya nag-struggle kami,” reflected Palacielo, 22, as he was thrust into the spotlight as the starting center for NU. “Kahit na ni-ready ko yung sarili ko, mahirap talaga.”
But in hardships came opportunity, one that the 6-foot-6 big man seized, as he averaged 8.14 points and 6.07 rebounds in 21 minutes of play to keep the Bulldogs fighting.
Armed with those learnings, Palacielo believes that he, together with the rest of the blue-and-gold bigs, is better equipped to take on all comers this time out.
“Mas alam na namin paano i-handle yung ganoong challenges. Sa akin naman, as a senior, mas naga-guide ko na din yung mga kasama ko kasi alam kong mas matatag na kami ngayon,” he stated, looking at foreign student-athlete Omar John, rookie Jedric Solomon, and Kenshin Padrones for support in this redemption season.
PJ powers through
As for Palacielo, he’s just looking to sustain the gains he got from the last campaign, all the more as he’s counted to take on a bigger responsibility this Season 88.
“Ever since naman pumasok ako ng NU, kinakapalan ko lang yung mukha ko,” he said.
“Noong simula, lagi akong nagkakamali at napapagalitan ni coach Jeff [Napa], pero ine-embrace ko lang lahat yun. Sa isip ko kasi, hindi ako papayag na lagi lang akong mali. Inaako ko yung responsibilidad kasi alam kong kaya kong makatulong kaya kailangan lang maging smart at magtrabaho 'pag nasa loob ako ng court.”
More importantly, Palacielo sees every game as his chance to repay the faith that Napa and the rest of the coaches has in him.
“Alam ko naman na nandyan yung tiwala nila, so kailangan ko lang talagang suklian,” he said.
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