Part of the Letran versus San Sebastian crowd on Sunday afternoon was Converge FibrXers Jeo Ambohot.
The 2022 PBA Draft third overall pick was seen supporting his alma mater while they racked up their sixth straight victory.
And he felt happy to be finally back in the NCAA – but this time, as a fan.
“Nakakamiss, sarap maglaro ulit e. Pero nandito ako para suportahan mga teammates ko dati,” said the former Letran Knight.
Ambohot was Letran’s leading rebounder in his final season back in 97, averaging 10.3 boards per contest.
Now that he has returned to the league where he originated, the former Knights team captain sent a message to this year’s Letran main bigs.
“Siguro lalong mag-step up yung tulad nila Louie [Sangalang], ni Pao [Javilionar] kasi sila yung maasahan diyan, kasi sila yung mga veterans na dyan eh. So yun, dapat doble kayod pa sila sa rebound kasi sila maasahan ni coach Bonnie [Tan] dyan,” said Ambohot, who was part of NCAA’s mythical team last season.
Coming to their game against San Sebastian, Sangalang and Javilionar averaged 7.4 and 6.5 boards respectively per contest.
And it is safe to say that Ambohot’s message was well-received after both grabbed 11 boards against the Stags.
Still, the former team captain – who is now pro-bound – had some brotherly advice for them both, who are currently under the radar for their expressiveness during games.
“Sa akin naman ‘yung ginagawa nila na parang ganon, Parang fun kasi ‘yun; parang kung sa teammate mo nagdadala siya ng positive eh,” said Ambohot. “Energy ba, energy guy na parang siya nagdadala ng positive sa team.
“Pero, ‘yun nga lang ako dati ‘yung sumusuway sa pag sobra na. Kaya ayun, sinasabihan ko dati na, pag sobra na i-limit mo na. So ‘yun nakikinig naman sila lahat, so ‘yun okay kami.”
And tame they have been during the past few weeks. The three-peat-seeking Knights remain undefeated after the return of Sangalang and Brent Paraiso.
The NCAA Season 97 finals MVP also shared a blueprint with the graduating Letranites, who are hoping to make it in the pro scene.
“Yung mga graduating sila Fran [Yu], si King [Caralipio], si Tommy [Olivario], lahat naman meron eh ‘yun nga lang kung pano nila dalhin. So mas tataas ‘yung opportunity nila kung mag champion sila,” said Ambohot.
And when asked if he feels impressed with Letran’s showing this year — he had this to say.
“Di pa wala pa. Dun na ako ma-impress sa kanila ‘pag nag-champion sila.”
