John Wilson has been the undisputed leader for defending national champion San Juan-Go for Gold.
And the eight-year pro continues to prove that he’s still the rock that steadies the San Juan ship both on and off the court.
During Game Two of their 2020 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan North Division Semifinals series against Pampanga-ADG Group last Wednesday at the San Andres Sports Complex, San Juan figured in a heated tussle with the fourth-seeded Giant Lanterns.
The physical encounter saw Pampanga gunner Michael Juico get booted out of the playing court after a closed fist hit on Art Aquino, with 37 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Reil Cervantes was then assessed with a flagrant foul penalty one after elbowing Jonard Clarito in the third frame. That led to a technical foul on San Juan team owner Jinggoy Estrada, which was later awarded to head coach Randy Alcantara.
With emotions heading to a fever pitch, the 33-year-old Wilson became the calming voice for the disgruntled Knights. He rallied his teammates, telling them to ignore the opposing team’s antics and keep their heads in the game.
“Nag-remind ako nang nag-remind. I reminded my teammates na mental, it’s about mental toughness ‘yung game na ‘to. Focus tayo. Kahit may gawin sa atin, just stay in the game at mag-focus tayo. Sundin natin yung defensive roles natin,” Wilson shared.
“Sabi ko, mas didiin ‘yan, desperate ‘yan, kailangan mas madiin tayo. ‘Yung mental natin, ‘yung tendency ng bawat player dapat alam natin para ‘di tayo maliligaw.”
The 6-foot-2 gunslinger also made his presence felt on the hardcourt. He poured in 26 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals, including the crucial free throws that paved the way for San Juan to grab a 91-83 Game Two victory en route to the North Division Finals.
“Last year, may games ako na up and down, kaya this season, minotivate ko ‘yung sarili ko na kailangan consistent ako. Kailangan ko talaga mag step-up as a veteran. Kahit ‘di ko makuha ‘yung average ko, basta nananalo ‘yung team, okay ako,” said Wilson.
After all, his main goal this season is to lead San Juan to the promised land once more, and not to cop the Most Valuable Player hardware.
“Kasi ang goal ko naman talaga is makabalik sa National Finals. And kung makukuha ko ‘yung MVP, then so be it.”
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
