Joshua David showed why everyone expected him to be a pivotal piece for De La Salle University’s campaign.
David was part of the NCAA Season 93 champion squad of La Salle Green Hills. And he started as La Salle’s primary point guard against University of the Philippines, with Evan Nelle out due to injury.
The Angeles City native had a solid performance – producing seven points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals for the Green Archers.
However, disappointment lingered as La Salle lost 64-67 against UP.
Nevertheless, it was good to see David on the floor this season.
He was cut from Jermaine Byrd’s lineup back in Season 82, then missed Seasons 84-85 under Derick Pumaren due to a cruel ACL injury.
“Sobrang saya lang kasi nabigyan ulit ako ng opportunity na bumalik sa court tsaka makapaglaro tsaka tulungan ko teammates ko,” said 23-year-old do-it-all guard.
“Sinusulit ko lang siguro yung opportunity.”
Back in LSGH, David played as a shooting guard with the likes of JD Cagulangan and former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jacob Lao.
This Season 86, he has been tasked to play as the team’s second court general after Nelle.
So far, he has displayed that trademark toughness the La Salle community wishes to see from their guards. He has also impressed with his steadiness and his courage to take on some of the league’s best players.
“Siguro, yun nga, malaking challenge din sa akin pero wala rin akong magagawa,” said David.
“Ito rin yung bumagsak na opportunity sa akin so gina-grab ko lang yung opportunity.”
As La Salle’s point guard for the night, David was forced to face his former LSGH comrade and long-time friend Cagulangan.
It was an intense battle to watch on the court as both players put their friendship aside for their schools.
Cagulangan had six points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, so the duo basically canceled each other out.
“Sobrang saya lang din,” said David.
“High school magkakampi talaga kami. Nag-cha-chat kami na, ‘Enjoy ka lang pre kasi ito na ang time natin.’ Sobrang saya lang na nakakalaro ko pa rin ni Maimai.
“Nagkakamustahan kami na wala ng injury para tuloy-tuloy kami,” he continued.
For his part, Cagulangan was glad to see his good friend on the floor. David has missed so much time due to misfortune and he is finally getting his due.
While they will be opponents this season, their friendship will still remain tight.
“Happy ako para kay Josh (dahil) sa lahat ng nangyari sa kanya,” said Cagulangan. “Para sa akin deserve naman niya lahat. Alam ko rin na happy yung La Salle community para sa kanya and pinagtrabahuan naman niya.
“Sana tuloy-tuloy lang yung nangyayari sa kanya.”
La Salle now has a 3-3 record. The Green Archers will look to overcome University of the East this Saturday to end their first-round campaign on a high note.
The pressure is on for La Salle. Its community did not expect to lose three winnable games to their supposed rivals for the crown. David, though, is looking forward to helping his team bounce back.
“Siguro, personally, kailangan ko mag focus din kung ano matutulong ko kase must-win yung (game) sa Saturday kase last game na yun sa first round,” he said.
“Second round naman, big adjustment yan. So yun lang, magtatrabaho kami.”
