By now, pundits probably still cannot believe that JC Intal made the final cut of Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Asia-bound team.
The Barako Bull wing man, in fact, shares the same sentiments.
“Sobrang thankful ako na nabigyan ako ng opportunity kagaya nito. In all honesty hindi ko ine-expect na makasama, dahil ang basis naman ay yung Jones Cup,” Intal said.
With the inclusion to the pool, Intal knows there will still be doubters along the way, but he is focused on just helping the team succeed.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi e. Marami diyang haters o nagmamarunong pero ang sa akin, hindi ko naman pinilit sarili ko. I am just here to support the team, help the team and hindi mo naman mape-please lahat ng tao,” Intal shared.
Intal added that his mindset is treating the stint day to day, knowing anytime he may be replaced. Still, he embraces the opportunity of wearing Philippine colors again for cage wars.
“But lahat ng reserves, they deserve to be in this spot. For me, I treat it na wala pang finality. Andyan ang MVP Cup and anytime pwede nila palitan ang lineup hanggang eve of FIBA Asia. So right now my focus is just enjoy the moment,” Intal said.
Still humbled and overwhelmed by the experience he never saw coming in his basketball career, Intal is just ready for the task at hand.
“Sa defense talaga ako nakatutok. Hindi ka pwede magrelax. Natututo rin ako kina Gabe and Calvin. Ngayon, two weeks na lang so hindi ka pwede magrelax,” he said.
“I am just very thankful and I am going to seize the opportunity. Hopefully maging healthy lahat ng players.”
