Jose Rizal University's Mart Barrera last Saturday erupted for a career-high 22 points to tow the Heavy Bombers past Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Apparently, it was also a result of a challenge imposed on him by head coach Louie Gonzalez.
In this season alone, Barrera has posted 6.5 points per game before the match against Letran.
Coming off the bench, the 25-year-old scored eight points before halftime and continued the onslaught in the second half to put JRU ahead and give the Heavy Bombers a fighting chance for a playoff spot with a 4-9 card.
It may have taken time for his form to pick up this season, but it is what Gonzalez expected from his player as he challenged him ahead of his final games in his collegiate career.
"Si Mart, gusto ko turuan na he needs to fight it out and grind it out pati sa defensive end. Malaking bagay 'yun sa career niya moving forward," Gonzalez said.
“‘Yung style kasi ng play ni Mart is that he’s a recipient siya eh and he’s a good finisher. So, it really fits my brand of game na more on passing and moving,” he eventually added.
As it turns out, Gonzalez has always known Barrera’s potential as they initially forged a connection in De La Salle University during the former's coaching stint with the Green Archers.
Barrera said he tried to join De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde as well, but eventually found his way back to Dumaguete as he experienced homesickness.
“After pandemic, tinawagan ako ni Coach Louie na baka gusto ko pa ulit sumubok dito," Barrera said.
Now, he is trying to learn and mature in the game.
"Nung rookie season ko medyo natatakot pa ako magkamali kasi rookie. Ngayon naging mas mature sa laro at sa decision-making,” he added.
Barrera and the rest of the Heavy Bombers may be in the bottom half of the standings, but all hope is not lost just yet, especially with Gonzalez keeping in mind the development of his players.
“We know that winning will take care of itself as long as tuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung development namin and each and every player are being evaluated day in and day out,” said Gonzalez.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
