San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta was worried that even when they are seen as the heavy favorites in NCAA Season 100, they may not still live up to the billing due to having a few holdovers.
However, right in their first game on Saturday, transferee Bryan Sajonia eased that concern by sizzling for a team-high 18 points, 12 of which he poured in the first half, alongside five rebounds, two assist, and one block to star in their 79-63 thrashing of Lyceum.
Escueta can heave a sigh of relief, at least for now, that he has the manpower to complete back-to-back titles.
"Well, kaya naman namin siya kinuha dito dahil doon sa what he can do," Escueta said.
"And knowing Bryan, whatever he can do, rebound ma ‘yan, assist man ‘yan, score man ‘yan, gagawin niya eh."
But more than the offense, what Escueta liked about his prized recruit was his defense that had helped them neutralize the scoring of the Pirates, who shot just 20 of their 69 field goal attempts as a team.
"Pero ang pinakanakita namin sa kanya na biggest strength talaga niya is ‘yung defense niya. So I think he was able to do a good job defensively, guarding ‘yung shooters ng LPU," the third year shot caller added.
For Sajonia's part, the win and his individual contributions will only help him build his confidence as the season progresses.
"Well, unang-una masaya kami na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo pero hindi pa naman tapos na and marami pa kaming aayusin," Sajonia, who played for the Tamaraws for two seasons, said.
"Isa sa mga naitulong syempre ay ‘yung pag-build ng confidence ko going into the upcoming games namin."
Aside from the former FEU standout, San Beda also got productive minutes from other newcomers in RC Calimag and JC Bonzalida as the duo complemented the 13 and eight points from Yuki Andrada and James Payosing, respectively.
This, however, was nothing new for Escueta. But he said they still have a long way to go, especially that their next battle is against no less than De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
"It’s because of our preparation that we were able to have during the preseason pero there’s still a lot more to improve, especially itong first games sa NCAA, parang medyo may jitters pa lahat but hopefully everyone would eventually relax and calm down in terms of execution," Escueta said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
