In all of the games he played in the NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament, Colegio de San Juan de Letran's Rhenz Abando has simply been dominant.
But that doesn't mean the high-flying forward is immune to nerves, especially with his first taste of action in the rivalry between Letran and San Beda University looming.
The big rivalry game is slated for this Friday at the Filoil Flying V Centre with the doors open to fans.
Between the excitement and the pressure, Abando admits to having mixed emotions in the lead up to the big game.
"Excited na kinakabahan, syempre lalo na first time kong ma-experience 'yan pero nanood naman ako dati," said Abando after powering Letran to a 73-69 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
"Syempre Beda at Letran talagang rivals sila so andon pa rin 'yung kaba and pressure pero kailangan ko lang mag-focus, kailangan lang namin manalo."
Abando, who posted an all-around numbers with 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block against the Stags, said that having live fans back should also make for added pressure.
"For me, sobrang special kasi dito ko talaga masusukat 'yung sarali ko [lalo] na may fans na," he said.
"Dito kasi walang fans kaya medyo bawas yung nerbyos, 'pag may fans kakabahan ka kasi madaming sumisigaw [at] maraming distractions."
Still, Abando said they should not be overwhelmed with emotions and just stay focused on the task at hand, which is to retain the championship.
"For me, siguro normal na lang 'yon kasi bago naman kami naglaro sa NCAA, pinayagan namin kami maglaro sa MPBL na may mga crowd so dapat normal na lang para sa'min 'yun," he added.
"Sana 'di kami lamunin ng kaba."
—JMB, GMA News
