WHILE it’s the same old winning brand of the University of the Philippines basketball that still shows in UAAP Season 87, more than a few Fighting Maroons have sported new looks.
Take the likes of JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Aldous Torculas, and Sean Alter as examples.
Their long-haired looks may seem old school, but it won’t matter one bit for as long as the results are there — as it’s been for State in a dominant opening three-game stretch.
‘Hair’ comes UP
In his last dance for UP, Cagulangan opted to try something new by donning a more mature look.
But whether it was one of those superstitious preseason practices or a manifestation of luck, by any means, it wasn’t.
In fact, the champion playmaker isn’t a believer of any of those things.
It’s just about working, winning, and nothing else.
“Long hair? Siguro, nagkataon lang. Since lagi naman naming nakikita ‘yung isa’t-isa, nagkakatuwaan kami, tinatanong nila kami kung ano magiging hairstyle, sabi ko lang naman magpapa-long hair ako. Wala naman ‘yun, nagkataon lang talaga,” Cagulangan shared to SPIN.ph.
“Wala namang pamahiin. Siguro kung naiinitan na talaga ko, du’n na ‘yung time na magpapagupit ako. Pero sa ngayon naman, I’m happy naman sa hair ako at wala naman sigurong problema.
“Sa’kin kasi sa mundo ng sports, ang hirap magsabi ng swerte-swerte, pamahiin-pamahiin. Kung ano ‘yung ineensayo mo, ‘yun talaga ‘yung lalabas sa game eh.”
Can’t get no satisfaction, yet
Perfect starts won’t ever be enough for the Diliman hero who brought home its first championship since 1986, as it’ll always be about getting the job done.
The promise of what could be this season has proven to be bright and encouraging thus far.
But after back-to-back championship heartbreaks, Cagulangan would know well enough that for third time to be the charm, it’ll all boil down to the finest of details that the Fighting Maroons must address as early as possible.
“I’m happy pero hindi contented sa game namin. Happy ako para sa team ko kasi ang ganda ng pag-respond namin from our last game. Happy ako sa mga teammates ko and sana magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung mga ganung moments since last season ko na rin ‘to,” said Cagulangan.
READ: UP detonates for 53 first half points in demolition of National U
“Gusto ko pang mabago the way kami maglaro sa loob, especially ‘yung game sa UE. Lesson sa’min ‘yun. This game against NU, good start siya sa response namin.”
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