Rookie JC Recto stepped up anew for Mapua University.
As Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez struggled from the field in the Cardinals' 62-61 win against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Saturday, Recto posted 12 points on top of six boards, two assists, and five steals.
With his impressive performance for the Intramuros-based squad, Recto earned some good words from Escamis himself.
"We never doubted them talaga. Sa lahat sa team namin, we're confident, simula sa bench hanggang sa pinakabeterano, binibigyan talaga namin ng kumpiyansa," Escamis said in a post-game interview.
"Sabi ko kay JC Recto, 'Kumpiyansa, bata.' 'Yun ang palagi ko sinasabi sa kanya. He stepped up today and I'm proud of them, I'm proud of JC and the rookies."
(We never doubted them. We're confident with everyone in our team - from the bench to the veterans, we boost their confidence. I told JC Recto, 'Be confident, kid.' I always tell him that. He stepped up today and I'm proud of them, I'm proud of JC and the rookies.)
For Recto, however, he and the likes of fellow young gun Marc Cuenco just lived up to their roles in the team.
"'Yung kay Pao and kay Clint, wala namang bago sa amin kung umiskor o hindi siya, basta kaming ibang rookie, gagawin lang namin trabaho namin," Recto said.
(There is nothing new whether Pao and Clint score or not. For us rookies, we will just do our jobs.)
Mapua ended its first round campaign on the top of the standings with eight wins and a loss. The Cardinals will face De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to start their second round run on Wednesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
