Even before the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament started, a lot of pressure was put on the shoulders of JB Bahio.
The 6-foot-5 bruiser was the third-leading scorer for San Beda University in the previous season, posting an average of 6.5 points while he was the top rebounder with 8.5 boards.
Bahio was among the leaders that head coach Yuri Escueta expected to carry the team.
San Beda product Robert Bolick also mentioned Bahio's name during one of his visits in the league, saying the veteran big man can lead the Mendiola crew back to its glory days alongside another grizzled star in James Kwekuteye.
"As a senior, kailangan naming mag-step up lang and 'yun lang naman," shared Bahio.
Bahio showed exactly just that in their 76-68 rout of rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran, collecting 16 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and one assist as they improved to 3-2.
But while he had a double-double outing, Bahio said he still prefers to do the dirty work, with the scoring just a bonus.
"Sa'kin lang, nag-focus lang ako. Simula kagabi, nag-meditate ako and sa tingin ko nakatulong naman sa akin 'yun," added Bahio.
"And laging nireremind ni coach sa akin 'yung rebound ko and nag-focus ako doon. And extra effort lang, 'yun lang and bonus na lang 'yung points."
—JMB, GMA News