For the first time in his college career, Tony Ynot is setting foot in the finals after helping steer De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to the NCAA Season 100 championship round on Saturday, and the do-it-all guard had to do it at the expense of his former team San Beda University.
It was nothing personal, though, for the Red Lion-turned-Blazer as he just meant business in Benilde's serious title bid.
"Malakas ‘yung San Beda hindi lang sila naka-execute nang tama at hindi lang sila naka-shoot ng three points. Credit sa San Beda, sobrang lakas nila," Ynot told GMA News Online.
"Galing din ako diyan, grabe ‘yung sistema nila diyan."
Ynot spent the first two seasons of his college run with the Red Lions, suiting up in Seasons 97 and 98 but both times saw the Mendiola crew come up short of reaching the finals round after absorbing heartbreaking Final Four exits.
He then decided to make a huge jump after transferring to Taft and his residency year witnessed the ascent of the Red Lions, who defied the odds to win it all in Season 99.
Now back in the tournament, Ynot is leaving nothing to chance as he looks to deliver the dream for the Blazers, who are looking to end a 24-year title drought.
He poured in 17 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in their semifinals match against the Red Lions, helping MVP frontrunner Allen Liwag and fellow former San Beda players Justine Sanchez and Gab Cometa oust the reigning champions.
"Sobrang saya kasi nga last Season 97 and 98 hanggang Final Four lang ako so sobrang saya ko ngayon na nakapasok ako ngayon. God’s plan talaga," the 24-year-old Ynot added.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
