Clifford Jopia can now call himself a champion.
However, years before being part of San Beda University's remarkable run in NCAA Season 99, the lanky 6-foot-8 big man went from being a seldom-used bench player to being cut and was left searching for a different team.
The Red Lions were the ones who took a chance on Jopia and the latter was just delighted to repay their trust as the Mendiola squad defied Mapua University to reclaim the throne.
"Sobrang thankful ko kasi ito 'yung second at last chance ko para may mapatunayan," the 25-year-old Jopia told GMA News Online in an interview.
"Minsan lang talaga ako magamit no'n kaya super saya ko kasi na-build ko 'yung confidence ko dito sa San Beda."
(I am very thankful because this is my second and last chance to prove something. I was seldom used before that is why I am super happy since I built my confidence here in San Beda.)
Jopia spent his rookie year with Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 81, where he was only fielded in five games to tally 0.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.2 blocks, before he was relegated to Team B the following season.
At the height of the pandemic, Jopia was unfortunately cut from the team which casted doubts on his young basketball career. Former FEU coach Olsen Racela recommended him to San Beda team manager Jude Roque, paving the way for the big man to secure another lease on his dream.
"Nu'ng pandemic nag-decide 'yung FEU magtanggal ng players. Season 81 naglaro ako then Season 82 nababa ako sa Team B. Nu'ng 2020, magtatanggal sila ng players kasi nakukulangan sila sa budget pero buti na lang ni-recommend ako ni coach Olsen sa San Beda kasi magkakilala sila ng team manager namin sa San Beda," he shared.
(During the pandemic, FEU decided to cut some of its players. I played in Season 81 then in Season 82, I was relegated to Team B. In 2020, they decided to remove players since they lacked budget but it was a good thing that Coach Olsen recommended me to San Beda through the team manager.)
Jopia made sure to make his final year in the NCAA count, imposing his will on the paint to help the Red Lions exorcise the ghost of the past and finally end a three-year title drought. He averaged 5.68 points, 6.95 rebounds, 1.36 blocks, and 0.64 assists to end his roller-coaster collegiate run before heading to the PBA.
"Sa mga previous seasons ko, ngayon lang talaga ako nagamit nang sobra so ginrab ko 'yung opportunity para may maitulong ako sa team and para madala ko papunta sa pros," Jopia, who recently inked a two-year deal with Blackwater, said.
(Unlike the previous seasons, this is the season where I played the most so I grabbed the opportunity to help the team and this is something I would bring to the pros.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
