JUMPING to the seniors level gave Earl Medina quite the start at first, but slowly but surely, Adamson's prized rookie is finding his footing again.
Going up against winless University of the East, Medina set the tone of the eventual roller-coaster game, scoring 10 points built on two triples just in the first quarter to steer the Soaring Falcons' 17-0 tear to break the game open.
“Siyempre, confidence yun sa’kin, and sa amin as a team,” he said. “Kasi ayun, 17-0, hindi ko nga alam, nandun na eh. Basta nag-enjoy lang kami sa game."
Unfortunately Adamson, the Red Warriors put on a 33-point onslaught in the third quarter to take a one-point lead heading into the final frame.
With their backs against the wall all of a sudden, the Soaring Falcons responded with a defensive masterclass, allowing just four points and a single field goal in the payoff period.
READ: Adamson braves through UE scare to barge back into win column
Of course, Medina was crucial in that regrouping, helping out in multiple defensive stops on top of his 15 points, six boards, and two assists that held UE back and handed Adamson a much-welcome bounce back win.
Shooting isn’t everything
Although this was the former Baby Falcons' best game in the seniors level by far, coach Nash Racela was quick to point out that he actually holds their homegrown product to a higher standard.
“He's just a first-year player. Kanina lang sinasabi ko na, ‘Wala ka nang ginawa kundi itira lang,’" he explained. Meron pang ibang pwedeng gawin sa game, especially 'pag nakaka-shoot ka because the defense will adjust to something else against you.”
“Hindi naman kami nagmamadali. Again, trabaho namin to remind him. Sana mapag-aralan niya yun. Because he will be a great player,” he added.
Aside from expending energy at both ends, Medina was also urged to utilize all weapons in his offensive arsenal, making him all the more difficult to defend.
“Yung lagi pinapa-remind ni coach Nash, mag-counter. Salaksak din minsan-minsan,” he said. “Kasi as of now, puro tira lang ako. So I need to drive in pa.”
And when he does, better look out, as the Soaring Falcons will have a complete player - in just his first year - on their hands.
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