Jose Rizal University head coach Louie Gonzalez was hardly surprised by how rookie Shawn Argente performed in his first game on the NCAA stage.
The first-year guard dazzled off the bench, producing 12 points highlighted by a crucial three-pointer that sent the Heavy Bombers back at the driver's seat, 71-70, with 1:45 left in the fourth quarter in their tight affair against Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Season 99 opener.
Argente and their veterans took turns as Marwin Dionisio, Agem Miranda, and JL Delos Santos took over in the overtime.
"Iba talaga 'yung puso nung bata, impressive," Gonzales said on the heels of their 85-79 upset victory against the Knights.
"During the offseason, 'yung mga offseason (leagues) namin, si Shawn halos lahat nag-MVP. Unconscious 'yung batang 'yun, he will do kung what's being asked."
(He really has heart, it's impressive. During the offseason leagues, Shawn almost became the MVP. He went nuclear, he will do what he is being asked of him.)
This wasn't the first time that Argente proved his worth for JRU as he also shone during the team's preseason tournaments like the 2023 Filoil Preseason Cup and the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup.
With the trust of his teammates and coaches, the rookie guard is shaping up to be the next big star for the Heavy Bombers.
"He will stick sa sistema and maganda na-earn na niya 'yung trust ng mga kasama niya. So magde-desisyon pa rin siya nang maganda," Gonzales added.
(He will stick to the system and he has earned the trust of his teammates. He made good decisions.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
