By LEE BENJAMIN
THE resonance of the saying "iron sharpens iron" finds a vivid illustration in the basketball careers of JD Cagulangan and Evan Nelle.
Six years ago, Cagulangan powered La Salle Greenhills to a triple overtime win over Nelle and San Beda High School in the Final Four.
Nelle admitted to have been mesmerized by Cagulangan’s brilliance – 27 points, six rebounds and five assists.
"Parang natulala na lang kami e. Ang galing, grabe. Ang hirap i-stop. Game plan namin, siya lang din, pero ang galing e," recalls Nelle.
READ Former teammates turn foes, old rivals meet again in UAAP Finals
That triple-overtime win eventually served as the catalyst for Cagulangan's subsequent conquests, transforming him into a key player in securing historic championships with La Salle Greenhills.
From there, Cagulangan embarked on a new chapter by joining the University of the Philippines, where his tenacity and skill continued to flourish.
Simultaneously, Evan Nelle harnessed the lessons gleaned from that triple-overtime clash to fuel his own basketball odyssey.
The defeat acted as a crucible, refining Nelle's resolve and propelling him towards securing a championship with San Beda's seniors squad.
This triumph showcased Nelle's ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones, a testament to his character and commitment to the game as he strives to find success with the La Salle Archers.
Last Wednesday, the two rivals were at it again in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Finals.
"For me, lagi namang it's just a normal game. Personally, 'di naman ako naniniwala dun sa rivalry na sinasabi nila. Siguro, nabuo lang yun dahil matagal na kaming naglalaro since high school pa," says Cagulangan.
"Pero thankful lang ako 'pag nakakalaban ko siya kasi may nakukuha rin akong skills sa kanya e. Sa dami ng naging laban namin, tingin ko naman, we made each other better."
Cagulangan and the Maroons got the better of Nelle and the Archers in Game One.
"He's really good. He knows how to control the pace, how to control the game. I just got to match his effort and maybe even do more," says Nelle of UP's steady hand at the controls.
The feeling is mutual.
"Si Evan, grabe maglaro ever since. Every time nagkakalaban kami, maganda yung outcome, maganda yung pinapakita ni Evan lagi," says Cagulangan of La Salle's playmaker. "'Di siya nagpapatalo. Competitor siya, competitor ako. Binibigay namin yung best namin every game."
What makes this dynamic even more compelling is the competition these two players have cultivated over the years. The court becomes a stage for their individual brilliance, with each player pushing the other to reach new heights. Their shared journey underscores the essence of sportsmanship, showcasing that true competitors can bring out the best in each other.
Looking ahead, as they stand on the brink of the UAAP Finals, Cagulangan and Nelle express a collective hope.
Shared basketball journey
"Sana sa next level, ganito pa rin kami 'pag maghaharap kami," says Cagulangan, acknowledging that the camaraderie forged through competition is an enduring aspect of their connection.
This sentiment captures the essence of their basketball journey – not just as individuals, but as protagonists in a narrative that unfolds on the hardwood. Their story isn't just about wins and losses; it's about growth, resilience, and the enduring spirit of competition.
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