TWICE over, Shevana Laput got to do something her older brother didn't get to in La Salle colors: win a championship.
And yet, James Laput would take those victories any day.
The Magnolia big could not hide his pride after watching his younger sister steer the Lady Spikers to a perfect run in UAAP Season 88, leading to Shevana’s second crown in the collegiate ranks.
For James, the title was more than just another piece of hardware to La Salle’s collection. It was also proof of what he believes Shevana has always been as an athlete.
“All I can say is that she lived up to expectations, and I think she should be called the 'doe' because she's the definition of elite,” he told SPIN.ph in the midst of the green-and-white's celebration two weeks ago.
Personally, the moment carried a different weight for the older Laput, as back in Season 82, he went on a one-and-done run with the Green Archers.
But seven years ago, his campaign was derailed almost immediately after suffering a concussion early in the season, at the end of which, he and his teammates found themselves on the outside looking into the playoff picture.
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Now with the Hotshots in the PBA, a championship remains elusive for James, but watching Shevana win two titles with La Salle, especially after everything she had gone through, has become a source of joy all on its own.
“She's proven it time and time and time and time again. She's just well-deserving of this title and this (Finals MVP) award. It's just a bonus for her, but it's huge for the entire Lasallian community,” he said.
The younger Laput entered the season with the added burden of captaincy and heightened expectations.
Instead of folding under pressure, however, she helped lead one of the most dominant title runs in UAAP history.
READ: Laput, La Salle come through after calling their shot before season start
The ending, in James' eyes, seemed as if it was written way before first serve.
“All I can say is that it was meant to be, man. She was manifesting this for a long, long time and it was well-deserved,” he said.
“She went through a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for this one, so kudos to her and all of them, especially the ates right now.
“If it weren't for Shevana, Em-em (Amie Provido), Angel [Canino], and Lyka [de Leon], the main seniors right now, even though they have one more year, if it wasn't for them, man, this wouldn't have happened.”
James may still be waiting for his own breakthrough, but seeing Shevana accomplish what he never did at La Salle is already, most definitely, worth celebrating.
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