Clint Escamis is not just the league's reigning Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year. He is now the leader of Mapua University as the Cardinals hope to finish some unsettled business in NCAA Season 100.
The Intramuros-based squad finished as runners-up in Season 99 as they fell to San Beda University in the three-game finals series — another heartbreak as the Cardinals fell short of the title twice in the last three seasons.
"Kulang eh, kahit rookie MVP ka, 'di kayo nag-champion so kulang. [Ang] focus ko ngayon is more on leadership," Escamis told GMA News Online.
Although just in his second year back with Mapua, Escamis is now among the team's veterans, along with the returning Joaquin Garcia and holdovers Cyrus Cuenco and JC Recto.
This time, Mapua will be a different squad without the likes of Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez.
"I gotta fill that role na maging leader for the team. 'Di lang the best player for the team. Be a kuya, be a good example for the team. 'Yun ang magiging role ko this season."
Despite his exceptional on-court performance, Escamis is aware that to be able to bring home the crown, everyone needs to put in the work — a lesson which he learned from last season.
"For me as a player, you can't do it alone. Even when you're a rookie MVP, it's still a team sport, still a team effort, Lahat talaga maggo-contribute, kahit nasa bench ka. You can't do it by yourself," he said."
With that, aside from the key holdovers, Escamis will rely on the likes of rookies Chris Hubilla, Lawrence Mangubat, and transferees Aaron Fermin and John Jabonete.
"New team, medyo young din kami. may bagong addition to fill in the gap," Escamis said. "I expect them to step up kasi alam ko naman mga kakayanan nila. High regards for them this season."
NCAA Season 100 is scheduled to open on September 7.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
