De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde fell to Mapua University in the Final Four, 77-67, in NCAA Season 99, ending their hopes of another run to the Finals.
It was not the ending Blazer Will Gozum was expecting, especially in his final playing year in college.
Despite the heartbreak, Gozum is thankful to have played with the Taft-based squad.
"One thing na I will say na sobrang thankful ako sa team na 'to, nandirito sila. Thankful ako sa coaches, sa buong community, sa mga sumusuporta sa'min, and sa bosses namin, sa managers namin, sobrang thankful ako," said Gozum after they fell to the Cardinals.
"Talagang lumaban ang team na to, lumaban hanggang dulo. 'Yung brotherhood ng team na 'to, 'di kami bumitaw, talagang sobrang thankful ako na nandito ako sa kalagayan ko and nakilala ko ang teammates ko na 'to."
(One thing I will say is that I am very grateful to this team, they are here. I am thankful for the coaches, the community, our supporters, our bosses and managers, I'm very thankful. This team really fought until the end. No one strayed from this brotherhood. I am very thankful that I am in this place and I met my teammates.)
Gozum was grateful with how his things worked out in his collegiate career, especially that he did not start his journey on Taft Avenue.
A product of the Mapua Red Robins program, the big man moved to Diliman and suited up for the University of the Philippines.
He played for two seasons for the Fighting Maroons before bringing his talent to Benilde in 2020.
Things worked out for him as he became Benilde's main man, even bagging the Most Valuable Player award last season.
For him, making the big move was all worth it.
"Sobrang worth it talaga," Gozum said, while being grateful to head coach Charles Tiu and the Benilde program.
"Sobrang happy ako na naturuan nila ako and I hope happy rin sila sa akin dahil nabigay ko 'yung best ko para sa kanila."
(It is worth it. I am very happy that they taught me and I hope they are also happy because I gave my best for them.)
With him being a key cog in the Blazers' journey to being top contenders in the NCAA, Gozum is hopeful that he has served Benilde well.
"I hope na 'di nila ako makalimutan," he said. "'Yung suporta naman nila, nandiyan lang eh so thankful ako na napunta ako sa environment na sobrang ganda."
"Sobrang proud ako doon na kahit papaano despite na roller coaster ride kami this season, suporta nila nandun pa rin. 'Di sila nawawalan ng pag-asa sa'min, sobrang thankful ako talaga sa kanila, 'yun lang ang masasabi ko sa kanila."
(I hope they do not forget me. I am very thankful for their support and I am in a good environment. I am proud that despite the roller coaster ride this season, the support is still there. They did not lose hope and for that I am very grateful.)
What's next for Gozum?
"I don't know yet. Siguro, ewan ko kung anong plano sakin ni God," he said, adding that he has yet to receive offers from teams.
"'Di naman d'un natatapos 'yung journey, laban lang. Laban lang ako. Dasal lang kay God."
(I don't know yet. Whatever God's plan is. The journey doesn't end there. Just keep on fighting. Just pray to God.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
