In a league where guards dominate most of the time, Clifford Jopia shows he belongs.
The towering 6-foot-8 big man for San Beda University let everyone know that when he churned out a double-double outing of 11 points and 11 rebounds alongside two assists to help the Red Lions pull off an 86-72 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday.
Head coach Yuri Escueta was the most happy about the performance of his big man.
"Malaking bagay for us na nakaka-contribute si Cliff sa amin at na nate-take advantage niya height niya, especially sa NCAA na ballgame ng guards kasi mabilisan," Escueta said.
"Ang challenge talaga sa kanya is to be able to dominate as a big kasi if hindi ka maka-dominate sa rebounding and sa ring protection, wala kang advantage against the fast-paced teams."
(It was a big thing that Cliff was able to contribute to us and he took advantage of his height, especially in the NCAA where the ballgame of guards are fast. The challenge is to be able to dominate as a big because if you can't dominate in rebounding and ring protection, there's no advantage against the fast-paced teams)
Prior to that, Jopia was only averaging 3.57 markers, 4.57 boards, and 0.86 dimes.
But even though his bruiser struggled in the early part of the tournament, Escueta said they kept their faith in Jopia.
"Good thing about him is even though nag-struggle siya nung start ng season, of course may times na nada-down siya, but he tried to pick himself up and stay positive," Escueta added.
"'Yung teammates niya were always there behind him, telling him that they believe in him. Importante kasi 'yung trust from the teammates and eventually, nakuha rin ni Cliff 'yung confidence niya."
(Good thing about him is even though he struggled in the start of the season, of course, there were times he was down, but he tried to pick himself up and stay positive. His teammates were always there behind him, telling him that they believe in him. Trust from teammates is important and eventually, Cliff got his confidence.)
Jopia is using this season as his preparation for the professional ranks after being drafted by Blackwater in the PBA.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
