Injuries can be some of the largest challenges athletes have to face, and when that reality came knocking for JRU's Darius Estrella, he found it in him to overcome it — thanks is some part to his idol, Scottie Thompson.
Estrella shared that he first met Thompson when he was named MVP in the Season 90 juniors basketball tournament and his idol was MVP playing for the University of Perpertual Help System Dalta Altas for the seniors division.
But despite a decorated start, the young Heavy Bomber's career was threatened to be derailed by an unexpected injury.
“I had an ACL injury after landing in one of my games and it really became a challenge for me to the point that I sometimes question my capabilities,” Estrella shared on ‘Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96’ on Saturday.
But just like Thompson, who himself had to bounce back from an injury in his own career before emerging as NCAA MVP, Estrella was able fight through the challenge.
“I really idolize Scottie and he really was a great influence on me.”
Estrella, who was a key cog in the JRU basketball program especially in Season 95 where they wound up in eighth place with a 5-13 win-loss record, added that his coach Louie Gonzales also played a key role in his recovery.
The 6-foot-2 Estrella would recall Gonzales' advice, which was valuable beyond just the basketball court.
“Coach Louie is a really family-oriented man and he always tells me that basketball is not the end of everything, that my studies are more important above all.”
And similar to that, Estrella's admiration for Thompson and his achievements isn't limited to just basketball as well.
“He’s great not only in basketball but also in business. He was able to build his own house,” he said.
“His discipline, on and off the court, is what I really aspire to do.”
Watch his story on GMA Synergy's 'Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96' every weekday (2:45 p.m.), Saturdays (4:30 p.m.), and Sundays (5:05 p.m.) on GTV.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News
