Rookie Clint Escamis was quick to shun talks of him possibly bagging the MVP award in the NCAA Season 99, stressing his ultimate goal is to help Mapua University win the championship after years of heartbreaks.
Escamis is currently leading the Cardinals with 15.29 points, 5.57 rebounds, 5.57 assists, 4.29 steals, and 2.0 blocks---a stat line worthy of an MVP award.
However, the versatile guard stressed that bagging the said recognition is the least of his priority right now as the Cardinals continue with their mission this season of returning to the finals for the first time since Season 97 and hopefully win their first title after 32 years.
"May nagsasabi sa akin [na may chance ako mag-MVP] pero siyempre, pang-kumpiyansa lang kumbaga," Escamis said after helping Mapua carve out a 79-65 win against Arellano on Wednesday.
"Pero ang main goal talaga namin ay Final Four at championship. Thankful lang talaga ako sa opportunity na binbigay sa akin nina coach and susuklian namin ‘yun with best effort and teamwork."
(Someone said to me [that I have a chance for MVP] but of course, it's just for confidence. But the main goal is the Final Four and championship. I'm thankful for the opportunity given by coach and we repay it with our best effort and teamwork.)
Randy Alcantara also lauded the leadership that Escamis and team captain Warren Bonifacio have been displaying for the Cardinals, stressing the two stars aren't just about showing what they are capable of but also involving their teammates as well.
"Lahat naman ‘yan involved. So sabi ko nga, hindi porke't na kayo ‘yung beterano or ‘yung leaders diyan...pero nakita naman natin kanina na sila mismo ‘yung nag-lead at nagpasahan kaya maganda ‘yung tinakbo," Alcantara said.
(Everyone is involved. I told them, not just because they are veterans and leaders... but we saw earlier they lead and pass so they had a good run.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
