Rhinwill Yambing had his best performance in his young collegiate basketball career for San Sebastian on Friday.
Yambing scored a career-high 17 points on an efficient 75-percent shooting from the field together with four boards and two steals handing Jose Rizal University its second straight loss, 72-68, since their return from numerous health protocols.
Stags head coach Egay Macaraya wasn’t surprised since he knew what his rookie can bring to the table.
“Well, ‘yun naman talaga ang binibigay ni [Rhinwill] Yambing sa team ‘yung instant offense. And this time nag step up talaga siya, and also hindi lang sa akin, lahat ng mga teammates niya binibigyan talaga siya ng go signal na ‘hey you have to score more points’ dahil alam naman natin na puwede niya gawin,” saidMacaraya.
“So, I think in the long run mas grabe ‘yung makikita niyo kay Rhinwill, and problema lang kasi ngayon alam naman niya rookie siya, and pini-feel niya pa ‘yung game ng NCAA,” he continued.
“But still credit to him na na-push through niya ito dahil palagi na ‘yun pag nanalo kami na it is Yambing na secret weapon eh. Hindi talaga maiwas natin, if ever nanalo kami Yambing was the key guy – pero silent lang.”
The secret weapon was unleashed in the fourth quarter as he sparked his own 8-0 run starting with back-to-back triples to slightly breakaway from the game.
The 23-year-old rookie admitted that he is still adjusting to the playstyle of the grand old league as it is a highly physical one.
“Actually po, fini-feel ko ‘yung paglaro ko ngayon ng NCAA. Kasi ilan years din ako naging reserve, and this is the right time na binigyan ako ng chance ni coach to show out my talent,” said the Iligan native.
Yambing was also flattered after getting comparisons to the defending NCAA MVP and Rookie of the Year Rhenz Abando — After all, both are 6-foot-3 wing with a solid shooting touch.
“Nakaka-flattered po para ma-compare ako kay Rhenz Abando. Kasi di ko naman ine-expect na ma-compare ako sa kanya, gusto ko lang makalaro ng NCAA [para] ma-ipakita ‘yung talent ko,” he said.
“Dinadasal ko nga po dati na maabutan ko siya maglaro sa NCAA para magkalaban kami. Pero dinala siya ng Panginoon sa ibang bansa, and good naman sa kanya para sa future niya ahead.”
