Christian Pagaran's transition from being the silent assassin to a vocal leader the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA needs in their upcoming NCAA Season 100 campaign was born out of necessity.
Just months after the ALTAs wrapped up their Season 99 run, a bevy of their stars decided to depart the squad, making Pagaran among the few veterans left in the team.
While the 6-foot-2 sniper was inevitably put in a position to lead the youthful Perpetual, Pagaran gladly accepted the new role as they look to move on and start afresh in the new season.
"Ngayon, ‘yung team namin immature pa, kulang pa talaga," Pagaran said.
"Kaya every practice, sinasabihan ko sila na kailangan naming sumandal sa sistema namin ngayon kasi wala kaming star players. Kumbaga, tulungan na lang talaga."
Perpetual had a tough start in Season 99, but a second round rampage saw them racking up 10 wins against eight losses. That may be a so-so finish for the Las Piñas crew, but that prepared Pagaran for a bigger role this year.
Pagaran was actually the top scorer for Perpetual last season, posting 13.11 points together with 5.06 rebounds, 1.11 steals, 1.0 assists, and 1.06 blocks to help their usual suspects Jielo Razon, Jun Roque, Cyrus Nitura, and Mark Denver Omega. However, these four key players are now gone with Razon graduating while the other three transferred to different schools.
Pagaran admitted losing their stars was a hard pill to swallow, but stressed they had no choice but to continue fighting.
"Nu’ng una, sobrang hirap talaga kasi dati, sa kanila kami sumasandal, sila ‘yung mga pinupuntahan namin dati kasi sila nga ‘yung star players namin," Pagaran shared.
"Nahirapan din kami, pero laban lang. Tiwala lang talaga kami kay Coach O (Olsen Racela)."
Pagaran, though, won't have a shortage of help with the likes of John Abis, JP Boral, Nat Sevilla, and prized rookie Mark Gojo Cruz starring for the new-look Perpetual.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
