SAN Beda’s injured big man Donald Tankoua is no longer surprised with the stellar pla of yBen Adamos, who has been providing the Red Lions with much needed inside presence in the absence of their Cameroonian import.
The Red Lions lost Tankoua to a season-ending ACL injury against Emilio Aguinaldo College last August 16. But the dependable Adamos has been stepping up in Tankoua’s absence.
In the three games that Adamos played in place of Tankoua, the former Technological Institute of the Philippines big man has averaged 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks.
Tankoua said Adamos always holds his own during practices when the two defend each other.
“I’m not really surprised about it,” said Tankoua on Friday. “We are always practicing together and he always defends me [well].”
Adamos continued to impress on Friday when he flirted with a double-double by finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds, while also swatting away six shots in San Beda’s 83-71 win over archrival Letran.
Tankoua believes their battles in practices have prepared Adamos for this season.
“He got the habit already. That’s what I think. It’s normal that he is playing that way,” said Tankoua.
Meanwhile, Adamos has been grateful for the trust from Tankoua and his San Beda teammates as the Red Lions bounced back from their second defeat of the season with a big win over Letran.
“Ready ako tumulong sa team namin,” said Adamos. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga teammates ko na naniwala sila sa akin. Medyo wala sa ayos ‘yung laro ko pero naniniwala sila. Minsan si coach nagagalit sa akin pero pinapasok niya uli ako sa laro.”