After the Lyceum of the Philippines University was eliminated from the Final Four by the eventual champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament, they knew a big hole would have to be filled before they began the next season.
Enzo Navarro, Lyceum’s long-time starting point guard, was set to depart from the Pirates, leaving head coach Gilbert Malabanan and the rest of the coaching staff with the tough task of finding a replacement to steer the ship in his place.
Navarro averaged 6.56 points, 2.67 rebounds, and 5.33 assists as Lyceum’s floor general, and Malabanan knew that replacing his production would not be easy.
After a long offseason of preparation, Malabanan hand-selected Vince Cunanan as Navarro’s successor.
“Yun yung challenge ko sa kanya, sabi ko sa kanya, ‘You will be the starting point guard of this team, and I want him to handle it very well.’
“Kasi pag maganda laro niya, I’m not comparing his scoring, pero kapag mas maraming assists yung ginagawa niya mas malaking chance na mananalo yung team,” said Malabanan.
Sure enough, Cunanan has flourished as the primary playmaker for Lyceum and has played a big role in its consistent success throughout Season 99.
The fourth-year point guard leads the league in assists, averaging 6.125 assists per game, running the Pirates’ offense and helping them jump out to their 12-4 record on the season.
With a chance to lock down a spot in the Final Four, Cunanan made a significant impact despite just shooting one shot attempt in his 28:14 minutes of play. Cunanan had six rebounds, nine assists, four steals, two blocks, and only one turnover to go along with his two points as the Pirates sank San Sebastian College-Recoletos 83-80.
“Siya yung nagdadala eh, ang dami na naming scorer. The good thing, I give credit to him for doing a good job as our point guard. Hindi kami mananalo kung hindi maganda yung Vince Cunanan namin,” continued Malabanan.
With the current captain Enoch Valdez set to take his talents to the PBA at the end of the season, Malabanan has seen how effective of a leader Cunanan can be on the floor, and he knows how important he will be next season when Valdez departs.
“Yes, as the point guard, he’s the one.
“Mas maganda nga yung mas marami kang leader sa loob, especially our captain ball and our point guard. Siya yung nagaano ng team namin, kung saan dadalhin yung bola. The good thing is mahustle rin, so okay siya,” Malabanan shared.
Cunanan and the rest of the Pirates will look to keep their strong play going on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. as they battle Arellano University.
