By ANGELO JACINTO
IN 2020, a talented high school prospect named Will Gozum found himself the odd man out at the University of the Philippines, contemplating his future in the UAAP after new prospects and transfers boosted the revitalized Maroons program.
Fueled by self-confidence, Gozum recognized that by aligning with a team that would leverage his skills, he could emerge not just as one of the top players in college at the time but also contribute to a victorious team capable of raising a championship trophy in the future.
READ Mapua Cardinals blow past Benilde to reach NCAA Finals
Enter College of St. Benilde which at that time has put together two good seasons – 10-8 in Season 94 and 9-9 in Season 95 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - but weren't good enough to make the Final Four.
For Gozum, it was a match made in heaven.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa team na’to,” Gozum said as he exited the Mall of Asia Arena dugout for one last time as a college player following their 78-67 loss to Mapua. “Sobrang thankful ako sa mga coaches, sa buong community na sumusuporta sa'min, sa mga bosses and managers namin.”
The partnership didn’t produce the championship that they desired, but it certainly got the wheels turning for Benilde and gave Gozum the stage to showcase his skills.
In his first year in Season 97, Gozum finally got the Blazers over the hump, making the semifinals for the first time in two decades. But it was in the next season that Gozum would truly shine the brightest.
The 6’3 forward posted averages of 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds to win the NCAA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first Blazer to do so after Jay Sagad in 2005.
Gozum also led the Blazers to their first finals appearance in 20 years – falling just one game short of ruining the mighty Letran Knights' quest for a three-peat.
Despite the Final Four loss to Mapua, the Blazers can take solace from the fact that they have reached the Final Four for three consecutive seasons.
Coach Charles Tiu told the players that the team has transformed from perennial league doormats to a legitimate title contender.
“To be honest I still think it’s a disappointing season but I did tell the guys that to make the Final Four is an achievement. Let’s not forget that Benilde for the last 20 years has not made the Final Four, and has always been the laughing stock,” he said.
Gozum takes pride in Benilde rise
Gozum was proud to be a part of CSB's transformation.
“Sobra, sobrang worth it talaga kasi with coach Charles, pano sila mag-alaga at develop ng players, sobrang happy ako na naturuan nila ako and I hope happy rin sila sa 'kin kasi nabigay ko 'yung best ko para sa kanila,” he said.
Gozum said he hopes that he left an indelible mark at Benilde, “I hope di nila ako makalimutan.”
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