Kenneth Zamora was having a horrid game for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Wednesday. With less than 30 seconds to go, the 5-foot-11 guard was shooting just 1-for-7 from the field.
But UST needed a bucket, as the Growling Tigers were clinging to a three-point lead against the battle-tested Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Calling a timeout, first-year Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo stared the former Arellano Chief in the eye.
“Pare, medyo malamig ka. Pero kaya mo ‘di ba?”
Full of confidence, Zamora – who went just 2-for-8 from the field against the NU Bulldogs last Saturday – stood up and ready to take charge.
The ensuing play was pure magic. Zamora split his two defenders first before going on a burst. With the two defenders trailing in, he soared through the air even if he was challenged by the much-taller Richard Escoto, to knock down the dagger.
UST were able to hold on, taking a 76-74 victory. And Zamora directed his gratitude to Ayo for that moment.
“Sobrang thankful ako kay coach kasi sobrang grabe yung tiwala niya sa amin, hindi lang naman sa akin eh.
“Kumbaga, sa sobrang laki ng tiwala namin sa kanya, kailangan mong gawin yung best mo eh. Hindi kami takot na magkamali kasi lagi siyang nandiyan para suportahan ka at bigyan ng chance na bumawi,” expressed Zamora, who only logged in a total of 20.5 minutes during his sophomore year in Arellano two years ago.
Even if he is just in his first year with the Growling Tigers, the 20-year-old is being seen as one of the seniors of the squad with his experience, which came from playing behind Jio Jalalon and Kent Salado in Arellano.
“Sobrang suwerte ko kasi si Kuya Jio at Kuya Kent ine-encourage din nila ako. Isang karangalan nga na maging kakampi sila. Marami akong natutunan sa kanila,” he added.
Still, he needed a stage where he could showcase his talent. With Ayo giving this to him, Zamora is not taking this for granted.
“Sinuwerte pa na starting five pa ako dito. Tuloy tuloy lang ako at kailangan ko ibigay ang lahat dahil sa tiwala niya sa’kin.”
