Newcomer Mark De Leon showed out in just his second game in the seniors division with the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags.
Despite only logging five minutes in their opening contest of NCAA Season 99 against Mapua University, the 19-year-old was thrusted into the starting lineup versus the Arellano University Chiefs after impressing Heach Coach John Kallos.
“Actually, 'yung performance ni Mark, nakuha namin during the last minute of the Mapua game. During the final minutes, ginamit ko siya and he showed respect for the game. He gave his 110% even though we were down 14 or 18, hanggang nababa namin to seven,” said Kallos.
“And then sabi ko sa kanya the practice after that game na 'yun that he will start. 'Yun siguro 'yung nag-mark sa kanya,” added the new Golden Stags mentor.
(Actually, we got a glimpse of Mark's performance during the last minute of the Mapua game. During the final minutes, I let him play and he showed respect for the game. He gave his 110% even though we were down 14 or 18, until we trimmed it down to seven. I told him during practice after that game that he will start. Perhaps that's what marked on him.)
Responding to Kallos’ call, the Nueva Ecija native definitely did not disappoint in his maiden start for the Golden Stags, producing a team-high 16 points in the first half to help lead San Sebastian to a 111-86 win over the Chiefs.
However, despite introducing himself to collegiate basketball, De Leon confessed that he did not force anything but rather just let the game come to him.
“Di ko naman in-expect na ganon ilalaro ko eh. First of all, nung nilagay ako sa first five, sobrang thankful ako. Tapos inalam ko kung ano maco-contribute ko as a role player, rebounder, kasi alam ko na madami naman pumupuntos sa amin, tulad nina [Ralph] Gabat at [Rafael] Are,” said the 19-year-old.
"Nagtiwala lang sa akin si coach Kallos kasi injured din si kuya [Tristan] Felebrico kaya nag step-up lang ako,” added De Leon.
(I did not expect that I will play that way. First of all, when I was put in the first five, I was very thankful. I then looked for what I could contribute to the team as a role player, rebounder since I know that we have a lot of scorers in Gabat and Are. Coach Kallos trusted me as well because Felebrico was injured so I stepped up.)
De Leon was a part of the San Sebastian Staglets program which narrowly missed out on a final four berth last year. From there, the freshman gunner only had eyes on playing for San Sebastian in college, citing familiarity as the main selling point for his decision of staying put.
“From juniors, nag-commit ako sa seniors team because tiwala naman ako sa sistema ng San Sebastian, especially kay coach Kallos. Mas binigay ko tiwala ko sa kanila kaysa mag-commit ako sa ibang team. Syempre, ibang community pa 'yun. Pero sa Baste, kumbaga napalagay na ako sa kanila,” said De Leon.
(From juniors, I committed to the seniors team because I trust the system in San Sebastian, especially in coach Kallos. I gave my trust to them instead of committing to other teams. Of course, it would be another community, but for San Sebastian, let's say I'm comfortable with them.)
De Leon and the Golden Stags aim to continue the momentum from their first win as they face Lyceum of the Philippines University on October 3, Tuesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
