Clint Escamis is hard at work repairing the relationship that once led him to a championship and the Mythical Team.
Two weeks after exiting from University of the East, Escamis has officially transferred to Mapua University, reuniting him with head coach Randy Alcantara, now for a Cardinals side coming off a runner-up finish and eyeing greater heights.
“I’m coming home,” said the onetime Red Warrior who posted per-game counts of 7.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals in his first and only season in Recto.
The 5-foot-11 playmaker had already played for Alcantara, back when the latter was at the helm of Mapua’s high school team. In 2016, the two were key cogs – alongside Will Gozum, Mike Enriquez, Warren Bonifacio, and Bryan Lacap – in the Red Robins’ first title since 2000 at the expense of dynastic San Beda High School. A year later, they returned to the finals where they were edged out by La Salle Green Hills before exacting revenge and winning it all again the following season.
Then in 2019, Escamis initially committed to staying in Intramuros before reneging and taking his talents to UE. Still, Alcantara wished him well.
“Of course, I understand na, in some way, feeling ko, nasaktan si (coach) Randy, but just like any father figure, he wished me good luck and told me all he wanted is the best for me,” shared the now-21-year-old guard then.
With this development, Escamis has a golden opportunity to make up for lost time. He will have to sit out the oncoming NCAA Season 98 for residency before being eligible for Season 99 next year. He will have a total of three years to play for the red and gold.
The Cardinals are feeling pretty good about their chances for the foreseeable future, as their silver medal actually came earlier than expected. Stalwart Bonifacio is the lone rotation player who will be playing out his last year in Season 97.
On the other hand, UE will be forced to find a new building block following their winless campaign in UAAP Season 84. With Escamis’ departure, a bigger burden will be placed on the shoulders of Harvey Pagsanjan and Aurin Catacutan.
