Renz Villegas grew up in the province and never really got enough exposure playing in Manila.
However, an advice from his former coach paved the way for him strutting his stuff in one of the premier college leagues in the country.
Villegas shared that the late Manuel "Mollet" Pineda, his mentor during his high school days at Colegio de San Juan de Letran Bataan, told him he would get the experience and knowledge he needed in Lyceum of the Philippines University with then head coach Topex Robinson.
Putting his trust in Pineda, the third-year guard now slowly emerges as the next big thing for the Pirates.
"Nag-start ako kay coach Mollet Pineda, head coach ko dati sa Letran Bataan. Tapos pinasok ako ni Coach Mollet sa Lyceum, nag-Manila ako college kasi magkakilala sina Coach Mollet at Coach Topex tapos dumiretso na ako sa Lyceum," Villegas shared to GMA News Online on Tuesday.
"Nakinig lang ako sa head coach ko eh dinala niya ako sa Lyceum, nagtiwala lang ako sa kanya na mapupunta ako sa magandang program."
Pineda knew what's best for his young protege.
Pineda was an icon in Philippine basketball, having suited up for Letran in NCAA and helping steer the Knights to the title back in 1970 against La Salle. He then proceeded playing in the PBA, copping a title during the 1980 Open Conference with the U/Tex Wranglers.
While Pineda may have passed away a year ago, Villegas makes sure the legacy of his former coach remains.
This season, Villegas is one of the pillars of the Pirates as he provides help to their usual suspects John Barba and Mclaude Guadaña in creating for the team, especially in the absence of JM Bravo.
The 23-year-old Villegas admitted his transition from playing in the province to Manila was a difficult challenge, but he's embracing every bit of it as they look to catch the NCAA Season 100 Final Four bus.
"Sobrang hirap lalo nu’ng day one, sobrang laki ng adjustment [ko] kasi ibang-iba sa province eh. Nakikinig lang ako sa advice ng mga tao sa team and sa mga coaches. Paunti-unti lang talaga."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
