After University of the Philippines’ 10-day long camp in South Korea, JD Cagulangan decided to support his former teammates from College of St. Benilde in its opening game in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday.
And the UAAP champion was just glad to see his friends again.
“Support ako sa mga teammates ko before — especially sila Ladis Lepalam, sila Jimboy [Pasturan], sila Mark Sangco, sila Macoy Marcos, and siyempre sa coach ko dati si coach Marvin [Bienvenida] naguusap pa rin naman kami hanggang ngayon,” said Cagulangan, who led La Salle Green Hills to the NCAA Season 93 Juniors crown.
Cagulangan picked the right game to watch.
The Blazers dominated Lyceum of the Philippines University, 80-69, showing their depth (seven players scored eight or more points) and unselfishness (21 assists).
“Grabe! Ang ganda ng nilaro nila.
“Sobrang na-impress ako kung pano nila tinapos ‘yung laro. Di naman maganda ‘yung start, pero the way nila tinapos ‘yung laro maganda, and kumbaga nandun ‘yung heart nila sa game, ayun they deserved to win this game,” opined the 5-foot-9 Fighting Maroon guard.
Last season, St. Benilde finished the elimination with a 5-4 win-loss slate — good for fourth. However, as fate would have it, the Blazers would not make the Final Four as it lost in the play-in round.
This season, Cagulangan believes that Charles Tiu has found the right pieces to finally end the Blazers’ two-decade-long semis drought.
“Gusto ko talaga, kahit nung last season pa lang, gusto ko makita sila na nandun sa [top]. Balik nila ‘yung winning culture ng CSB,” the 21-year-old from Butuan City shared.
“And, nakikita ko naman maganda ‘yung tinrabaho nila during nung preseason games eh, so tiwala ako sa kanila, naniniwala ako na kaya din nila, and sa mga coaching staff nila tiwala din ako.”
