While Jose Rizal University Heavy Bomber John Amores charged the bench of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde during their match on Tuesday in NCAA Season 98, one player stood out as he protected his teammate.
Blazers team captain JC Cullar caught the attention of fans as he was seen protecting teammate Jimboy Pasturan during the altercation.
Cullar said keeping his teammates’ cool during the incident was one of his priorities.
“Honestly it happened so fast and we really didn’t know how to react when someone comes at you charging like that, but we just wanted to cool down the situation and handle it the best way possible,” Cullar said in a message to GMA Integrated News.
The Blazers captain said protecting Pasturan was his first instinct during the situation.
“We’re a family, that’s what you think right away — to have everyone on your family safe, and when I saw Jimboy going down and be in the middle of it I just wanted to make sure he wouldn’t get hit more or that he got stepped on,” he added.
With fans showing their appreciation to Cullar, the guard said his action was something his teammates would also do.
“I’m definitely overwhelmed, lots of people are messaging, sharing and showing appreciation for that, and I’m trying to reply to everyone and thank all of them,” said a grateful Cullar.
“I honestly didn’t expect to have that kind of reception and feedback, because I’m sure my teammates would have done the same thing if they saw something like that happen to me or any of us. But overall I’m just overwhelmed and I really appreciate everyone that has reached out to me.”
While Cullar is safe from any injuries from the altercation, Pasturan will undergo a checkup after suffering a black eye from the incident.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
