When someone leaves, another one will step up.
Mapua University's roster was left with a huge hole when veteran shooting guard Paolo Hernandez decided to forgo his final playing year and not return for their redemption tour in NCAA Season 100.
But that only set the stage for Cyrus Cuenco to rise to occasion as he now emerges as the Cardinals' new lethal weapon.
"Nu’ng una, sa start ng season, talagang ‘yun ang ano ng coaches eh, kung sino ang magfi-fill ng shoes ni Pao," Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara said.
"Pero ayun nga, andiyan na si Cy. ‘Pag may nawala, may mag-i-improve, may gagaling, may mag-step up."
Hernandez was a key cog for Mapua in their finals run last season, posting 8.5 points, 4.67 rebounds, 2.94 assists, 0.94 steals, and 0.39 blocks at the end of the elimination round, where they wound up as the top-seeded squad.
Hernandez, however, opted not to play his final year and made a huge leap to the pro ranks where he is now suiting up for the Terrafirma Dyip.
Cuenco admitted is a big task to fill in the shoes of Hernandez, but the third-year shooting guard is making sure he puts in the work every day.
"Gina-grab ko lang ‘yung opportunity na binibigay ni Coach Randy at ng mga coaches ko, lalo na mabigat [‘yung role] kasi si Paolo Hernandez ‘yan eh," Cuenco said.
"Wino-work out ko lang and hard work lang siguro. Tinatrabaho ko lang every game, every practice hanggang mapunta kami sa goal namin."
From a supporting role, Cuenco is now an important pillar for the red-hot Cardinals, and he's hoping to deliver the same way Hernandez did for Mapua.
"‘Yung hard work niya at saka ‘yung leadership niya. Grabe ‘yung leadership ni Pao," Cuenco, who is averaging 12.57 points, 3.36 rebounds, 3.14 assists, and 0.79 steals, said.
"Minsan nagcha-chat kami, nag-uusap kami tungkol sa games and ‘yung mga kailangan ko na i-work out. Hanggang ngayon gina-guide pa rin naman ako ni Pao and nina Boni."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
