When the pandemic struck more than two years ago, much of the world stopped. But some people, like San Sebastian College-Recoletos star JM Calma, never did.
Instead, the Stags' dominant big man made the most of the lull brought about by COVID-19 as he prepared for his last collegiate season in NCAA Season 97.
"Nung pandemic, November or December, nasa dorm ako. Pinrepare ko na talaga 'yung sarili ko. Maraming akong tine-take na tira nung pandemic," he shared with GMA News Online.
While San Sebastian conducted months of online training, holding practices three times a day, the 24-year-old Calma took zero days off. He would troop to the court regularly on his off days to improve his shooting.
On average, Calma made 300 to 500 three-point shots as he set out to make great strides following a modest showing in the season prior.
"May taga-pasa ako so shoot lang ako nang shoot no'n," he shared.
"Kasi ang mindset ko is last year ko na 'to so kailangan ko talaga magpakita."
That off-season work paid off in a big way for the 6-foot-6 Calma.
He was included in the NCAA Season 97 Best Defensive Team for a second year in a row after also being included in the same group in Season 95.
But unlike previous seasons, Calma was able to establish himself as a legitimate offensive threat this time around.
Because of that, he was named to the Mythical Five after posting averages of 16.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.3 steals to take a spot alongside Letran's Rhenz Abando and Jeo Ambohot, Arellano's Justin Arana, and College of Saint Benilde's Will Gozum.
He was also selected 6th overall by the NorthPort Batang Pier in the first round of the 2022 PBA Rookie Draft.
And it's all thanks to the work he put it, regardless of that pandemic.
"'Di kasi ako tumigil eh. Nung pandemic kasi, naglaro ako ng ibang liga, Filbasket tsaka MPBL. Nung first four years ko sa Baste, 'di ako gaanong umi-score, screens at rebounds lang," he added.
"Winorkout ko talaga 'yung opensa ko nung last season ko na. Andon si coach Egay (Macaraya) para i-guide ako palagi. Di ako tumitira non kasi andon pa 'yung mga scorers non, si (Allyn) Bulanadi, si (RK) Ilagan then si (Michael) Calisaan andon pa."
—JMB, GMA News
