For Allen Liwag, NCAA Season 101 has been a test of both resilience and resolve.
The reigning NCAA MVP endured an early-season battle with dengue, followed by a shoulder issue late in the eliminations — challenges that would have sidelined many.
Now, Liwag faces a new kind of pressure: leading the Collegie of Saint Benilde toward a long-awaited championship while simultaneously preparing to join Gilas Pilipinas for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
And yet, when it mattered most, Liwag still delivered.
In CSB’s gritty 77-75 Game 2 semifinal triumph over San Beda University, Liwag set the tone early. He scored all nine of his points in the first half while dominating the glass with 15 rebounds, anchoring the Blazers’ interior on both ends.
As his talents become crucial for both teams, Liwag has approached the dual responsibility with calm focus.
“Noong pinakauna nabanggit sa akin ni Coach Charles (Tiu) yan, hindi ko inexpect na matatawagan ulit ako para sa training pool sa Gilas. And ayun, hindi ko siya masyado inisip – focus pa rin ako sa Benilde,” he said.
Joining the national team setup under mentor Norman Black, Liwag spent his initial stint mostly observing — watching drills, studying plays, and adjusting to the team’s pace.
But even from the sidelines, he quickly understood where he could make his impact: rebounding.
“Pagdating niya, sinabi niya lang na binuild niya yung team kasi naniniwala na siya na makakatulong ako sa team sa rebounding. So ayun, parang ayun yung key bakit niya ako kinuha and yun yung gagawin ko and ibibigay ko sa kanila,” Liwag added.
Balancing NCAA playoff duties with national team training is no easy feat, but Liwag has embraced the challenge. He uses every opportunity — even brief practice windows — to absorb Gilas’ system and stay ready.
“Sinabihan niya lang ako na mag-observe lang ako, kasi nga kinabukasan may game ako dito. Pero ayun, panoorin ko yung mga plays na gagawin and all para ready ka sa gagawin mo,” he said.
Looking ahead, Liwag is energized by the chance to share the floor with some of the country’s top professionals. While training alongside elite talents is new for him, it is also an opportunity to elevate his game.
“Syempre, excited ako makasama sila lahat and makalaro at mai-represent ang country natin,” he said.
“Kahit sino pa yan, sobrang excited ako sa kanila kasi syempre mga high-level na player natin yon.”
