Bismarck Lina’s journey back to collegiate basketball has been long and challenging.
After spending most of UAAP Season 84 on the bench with University of the Philippines, where he was part of the team’s title run, Lina – a former UAAP High School Boys’ Basketball Mythical Five member – decided to leave Katipunan in search of a school where he could showcase his full potential.
Weighing several offers from both UAAP and NCAA schools, Lina eventually landed at San Beda. He sat out Season 99, waiting for his chance to dominate in the NCAA’s centennial year.
Unfortunately, Lina’s hiatus from the college game was extended when he tore his ACL while playing for Gilas 3×3. His road back to the court was filled with grueling rehab sessions and countless hours of physiotherapy.
“Non-stop therapy lang talaga ako. Inalagaan ko yung katawan ko, disiplina, and then ayun, punta sa court, lift weights, and recovery lang araw-araw. Ayan yung naging buhay ko araw-araw,” Lina shared.
After nine months of hard work and one round of NCAA basketball, Lina returned to the court in full force. He made an immediate impact, announcing his arrival to the NCAA in a dominant performance.
With his minutes restriction lifted, Lina overwhelmed the Arellano University frontcourt, posting 20 points and seven rebounds in San Beda’s 79-65 win.
“Siguro ilang taon na ako naghihintay na makalaro eh. Hindi ko sinayang yung opportunity na makapaglaro ngayon, so every game, binibigay ko yung best ko para ma-pay back ako sa tiwala na binibigay ng mga coaches,” Lina said after the game.
Despite the obstacles Lina faced on his journey back, San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta wasn’t surprised by his standout performance.
“This is something na we expect from him when we recruited him. It’s his presence inside. Kahit siya, this is something he knows he can do. Medyo napipigilan siya doon sa previous team niya,” explained Escueta, a title-winning coach.
“He’s a juniors MVP. Yun yung isang selling point namin nung kinausap niya kami. Here, you can get the chance to play, show them what you can do, and ayun, pinakita niya sa amin.”
Reflecting on his breakout game, Lina acknowledged the hard work and perseverance that brought him to this point.
“Siguro nung nasa UP pa lang ako, pag hindi ako nagagamit doon, lagi akong nage-extra work. Pag hindi ako nagamit sa game, day after, magli-liftweights ako, pupunta ako sa court. Then nung lumapit ako sa San Beda, nabigyan ako ng opportunity na makipaglaro sa 3×3. Nakuha ko yung confidence ko doon hanggang sa na-translate ko sa NCAA,” said Lina, a former UST high school standout.
Despite his strong performance, Lina remains humble, understanding that there’s still more to learn as he continues to adapt to San Beda’s system and the NCAA.
“Patuloy parin ako nagle-learn sa skills ko and sa system. Nandiyan yung mga coaches ko, sina Coach Norman Black, sina Coach Jenkins (Mesina), yung mga nagtuturo ng mga bigs ng post,” he noted.
Lina and the Red Lions will aim to maintain their momentum when they face Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
