After seven games in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament, one of San Beda University’s prized recruits has finally found his stride for the Red Lions.
Jomel Puno, a 6-foot-5 Filipino-Canadian winger, made his debut for San Beda after sitting out for residency last year. The Red Lions had high expectations for this lanky forward, but Puno took some time to adjust.
In their first six games, Puno averaged just 5.83 points and 7.17 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.
In his initial matchups, Puno struggled to cope with the physicality of the NCAA, which contributed to his slow start at San Beda.
“For sure, coming into the NCAA, I knew it was going to be physical, but even though I was prepared, I was still surprised by the level of physicality.
“Every time someone bumps into me, it takes the wind out of me. So, I need to learn how to avoid it or play with the contact,” explained Puno.
It was only a matter of time before Puno found his place in the NCAA. And in San Beda’s game against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, he showed why the San Beda community had such high hopes for him.
Perpetual is known as one of the most physical teams in the league. They lead the NCAA in total rebounds per game with 51.71, and their roster of long, versatile big men has helped them secure back-to-back wins against Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
Against one of the most physical teams in the NCAA, Puno stepped up for San Beda. He scored 12 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, contributing to a 62-60 comeback win.
Puno also scored the final five points for the Red Lions, which helped them take the lead from the Altas.
Puno shared that focusing on his role on the team helped him find balance and adjust to the physicality of the NCAA game leading up to their match-up with Perpetual.
“I just know my role coming into the game: do whatever it takes to win. I know that Perpetual is a strong rebounding team, so I really focused on positioning myself and timing my rebounds to help the team,” explained Puno.
For head coach Yuri Escueta, Puno’s versatility is the most crucial aspect he brings to the team, as he can play positions 3 through 5 as needed.
“Jom playing at the three is always an advantage for us.
“His activity, ability to crash the boards, strength, and athleticism are advantages at the three and also at the four. Going into the game against Perpetual, knowing that they are the number one defensive rebounding team, getting rebounds, both defensive and offensive, was one of our keys,” shared Escueta.
Even before the Perpetual game, Puno was already showing signs of adapting to his role in the NCAA. In another physical matchup against Jose Rizal University, he had a near double-double, scoring nine points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.
With San Beda’s prized recruit finding his form, Puno’s contributions will undoubtedly be pivotal as the Red Lions face San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at 4:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
