With a 4-2 win-loss slate in the ongoing NCAA Season 99, Emilio Aguinaldo College has already surpassed its total win output from the previous season which saw the Generals collect just three wins in 18 games.
One of the key cogs who has been lifting the Generals this season is the returning King Gurtiza.
Gurtiza, who wasn't able to finish his campaign in Season 98 due to a suspension alongside teammate Ralph Robin, took charge in their back-to-back wins against Lyceum of the Philippines University and Arellano University.
Against the erstwhile undefeated Pirates, the fourth-year guard dropped 18 points in the overtime win together with eight rebounds, three blocks, and two assists before his clutch baskets steered EAC past the Chiefs as he finished with 14 markers, three dimes, and two boards.
Gurtiza said he treats Season 99 as his redemption season following his suspension from the team in Season 98.
"‘Yun ‘yung lagi kong sinasabi nung tinawagan ako nina coach [Jerson Cabiltes] na bumalik ako—it’s redemption season para sa amin ni Robin," Gurtiza said.
"Si coach nagtitiwala lang siguro sa akin. And hindi lang sa akin, sa lahat. Hindi ko rin naman masu-shoot ‘yun kung wala ‘yung pasa ng mga teammates ko at sa rebounds ng teammates ko."
(That's what I always tell them when I was called up by coach [Jerson Cabiltes] — this is redemption season for Robin and I. Coach trusted not just me but everyone else. I won't be able to shoot those shots if not for their passes and rebounds.)
EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes attested that Gurtiza can take over in clutch moments, sharing his veteran guard has been working doubly hard in practice as they eye to bring EAC to the Final Four for the first time since joining the NCAA.
"Actually lahat naman can take the shots. Kung sino naman ‘yung open sa amin, ‘yun ang hinahanap namin. Luckily for us, si King ulit ang naging open sa sitwasyon na ‘yon," said the rookie coach.
"And talagang ready naman siya for that kind of moment kasi lagi naman ‘yan nageensayo ng extra."
(Actually, anyone can take the shot. We are looking for whoever is open. Luckily for us, King was open during that situation. He is ready for that kind of moment because he always does extra practice.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
