By: George Torno
College of Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu admitted that the absence of star guard Tony Ynot left a glaring hole in the Blazers’ roster heading into the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
Prior to the season, Tiu already knew that he would not have the 6-foot-1 guard from Misamis Occidental for at least the entire first half of the season due to a left leg injury.
And Ynot’s absence was clearly felt right in the Blazers’ very first game against the San Beda Red Lions, yielding a an 85-96 defeat.
“Oh, it’s a big loss. I think he is my best guard (Ynot), my best wing for sure. He’s a leader out there, he’s great for us on both ends of the floor, he brings great energy, and he’s a great shooter,” Tiu said.
“I hope he can come back as soon as possible.”
Last season, Ynot averaged 10.14 points, 5.43 rebounds, 4.29 assists, and 1.38 steals per game, making it to the Mythical Team.
For the Blazers, losing Ynot means losing more than just the stats.
He is a versatile playmaker who could set the tone defensively, rebound against bigger opponents, and serve as a stabilizing presence in clutch moments.
“Nobody really plays like Ynot,” Tiu stressed.
The likes of Jommel Ancheta (8 points, 3 turnovers), Matthew Oli (6 points), Gab Cometa (4 points on 1/5 shooting), Josh Cajucom (4 points), and Ian Torres (13 points on 3/9 shooting) tried to fill the shoes of Ynot but to no avail against the Red Lions.
Tiu remains hopeful that Ynot can still make it this season, but until then, Benilde faces the challenge of proving it can contend without its valuable guard.
