De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde key cog Tony Ynot is uncertain of his next move with the Blazers, but has expressed determination to make redemption happen in some way.
This, as Benilde absorbed another runner-up finish this time against Mapua University following a 94-82 Game 2 defeat in their historic NCAA Season 100 championship battle that saw the Cardinals snap a 33-year title drought on Saturday at the Big Dome.
While Mapua’s long wait is finally over, Benilde’s title drought since 2000 continues, something that Ynot hopes to put an end to and would likely be the reason for his potential return.
“Babawi kami. Pero hindi ko alam kung makakalaro pa ako next year,” said Ynot, who registered 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the losing cause.
“Kasi gusto ko na rin mag-pro na. Ako lang bumubuhay sa family ko... Pero depende pa rin kasi gusto rin bumawi next season. Kasi sayang din nakatungtong na ako sa finals. Nagkulang [nga lang],” he continued.
The 23-year-old guard also added that there was no hint of regret about his decision to transfer to Benilde from San Beda University which required him to sit out Season 99 that then saw the Red Lions claim their 22nd overall title in the league.
“Hindi naman, wala namang regret. Kasi alam naman ni God kung saan ako talaga papunta. Nag-champion ‘yung San Beda last season pero wala naman akong regret [about not being part of it]. Masaya ako noon para sa kanila. Ang dami ko ring mga kaibigan doon,” he said.
Should Charles Tiu’s reliable point guard in Ynot decide to forgo his final year, the Taft based school is expecting the arrival of former Lyceum of the Philippines’ Shawn Umali, University of Santo Tomas’ SJ Moore, and Ateneo de Manila University’s Rafy Celis.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
