Maverick Vinoya has been in the collegiate ranks for a while now, but it is only recently that the 6-foot-4 big man is settling down in his new home Arellano University.
Vinoya spent three years as a reserve player for Lyceum of the Philippines University before he got his first break with the Pirates back in NCAA Season 98. Even then, he got limited minutes with the likes of stars Enoch Valdez, John Barba, and Mclaude Guadaña leading the way.
Now, Vinoya is among the key cogs for the Chiefs.
"Siguro better opportunity, ‘yung playing time talaga kasi medyo wala akong kumpiyansa nu’ng nasa Lyceum ako eh. Hindi ako nagagamit kaya nag-decide ako na lumipat sa Arellano at kay coach Chico," Vinoya told GMA News Online.
"Personal decision ['yung paglipat ko] kasi ‘yung mental [aspect] ko sa Lyceum parang wala akong kumpiyansa talaga."
Vinoya was a product of the National University high school program, but he decided to bring his act to NCAA alongside former teammate Pao Javillonar, who now suits up for Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
He would even have the privilege of being under the tutelage of former LPU coach Topex Robinson, who was at the helm at the time he entered the Pirates' camp. Ever since Season 95 until Season 97, Vinoya, however, was on the reserve list of the school despite a coaching change with Gilbert Malabanana now manning the sidelines for LPU.
The following season, he finally got a crack at the Pirates' lineup but only logged in eight games where he posted averages of 3.0 points, 1.38 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 8:31 minutes of action.
Wanting to unleash his full potential, Vinoya decided to look for an opportunity elsewhere, and it so happened that his former NU coach Chico Manabat was named the new Arellano tactician.
That served as a strong sign that Arellano was destined for him.
"Coach ko na din si coach Chico sa NU kaya kilala ko na siya. ‘Yung nasa NU na siya, naglalaro na ako sa kanya," Vinoya added.
"Simula nu’ng nalaman ko na lilipat siya dito, doon ako nag-decide."
That move proved to be the right thing to do for Vinoya as he now emerges as one of the pillars for the Chiefs.
With the familiarity with Manabat's system, the 23-year-old bruiser has become the current third best scorer for Arellano, averaging 11.08 points a game together with 4.77 rebounds, 1.77 assists, 1.23 steals, and 0.15 blocks in a starter role.
"Simula high school pa lang kilala ko na siya tsaka ‘yung kumpiyansa na binibigay sa akin ni coach Chico iba eh. Ang sarap sa feeling, kaya sobrang nae-express ko ‘yung laro ko dito."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
