Choi Palanca spent much of his first two seasons with the University of the Philippines waiting for his moment. When his number was finally called, the sophomore big man made sure to make it count.
The 6-foot-7 center from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte delivered a breakout performance in the Fighting Maroons’ 101-70 rout of the University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym, finishing with 12 points in just 10 minutes of action.
Palanca shot 4-of-5 from the field while adding four rebounds and an assist as UP claimed its seventh win of the season to move to solo first in the standings.
It was a rewarding moment for the sophomore, who has remained patient despite seeing limited playing time since joining UP, staying prepared for whenever head coach Goldwin Monteverde calls on him.
“Confidence ko same lang. For me, big assurance siya kasi alam kong di ako pababayaan. Coach Gold [Monteverde] always says na simplehan ko lang, focus on the journey, and love the process,” he said.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
That patience marks a stark contrast to Palanca’s high school career, when he was a key contributor to National University Nazareth School’s three silver-medal finishes in the UAAP boys’ basketball tournament.
In his final season with the Bullpups, Palanca averaged 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
His transition to the collegiate ranks, however, has brought a different role, one that has required him to embrace limited opportunities while continuing to work on his game.
Palanca also acknowledged the outside noise surrounding his decision to transfer to UP, particularly after de-committing from NU just before his freshman year.
Rather than dwell on the criticism, though, he has chosen to trust the process and remain ready for his opportunity.
“I stayed ready lang po kasi. Kinakausap naman ako lagi ni Coach Gold na maging ready. Sixteen-man lineup, ready to play lagi,” he shared.
“Naging ready lang ako sa ensayo, tas ngayon may chance na mag-perform at maipakita na kaya ko. At ginawa ko lang po.”
Palanca was one of 16 players who saw action for the Fighting Maroons on Sunday, with Monteverde giving his entire lineup an opportunity to contribute against the Red Warriors.
While the sophomore showed what he could offer when given the chance, sustaining that production will be the next challenge, especially if his role and playing time continue to grow.
For now, Palanca has made the most of his opportunity, proving that even while waiting in the wings, he has not stopped preparing for his moment.
