From one university to another, James Una’s basketball journey has been quite the rollercoaster ride.
After leaving San Sebastian College-Recoletos for San Beda University and then the University of Sto. Tomas, Una has now found himself back where he started, in San Sebastian.
For Una, his return to San Sebastian was a no-brainer. He shared that his heart belonged to San Sebastian, and it was where he would finish his basketball career.
“Talagang mahal na mahal ko ‘yung Baste kasi dito ako nagsimula, lahat ng career ko nagsimula sa Baste kaya tatapusin ko sa Baste lahat,” Una expressed.
The 6-foot-5 workhorse proved his worth in his return to San Sebastian when they played against National University in the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup. He produced seven points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Moreover, his performance helped the Golden Stags secure a 77-67 win against the Bulldogs.
Una fits well with the system implemented by San Sebastian’s new head coach, John Kallos. Una commended Kallos for his mentorship, saying that he does everything to ensure that the team wins.
“Si coach John [Kallos] naman, lahat ng best niya ginagawa niya para manalo ‘yung team, kaya ano rin sa kanya… Vredits rin sa kanya kasi ‘di namin magagawa ‘to kung hindi dahil sa kanya,” Una said after their win.
However, Una’s eligibility for the next season, NCAA Season 99, is not yet determined. His papers must be fixed immediately to play this upcoming season.
“Sana mahabol ‘yung [papers] ko ngayon para makapag-laro ako ngayon Season 99,” he said.
Despite averaging 3.78 points and 3.56 rebounds in Season 98, and San Sebastian finishing fifth with an 8-10 win-loss record, Una and his teammates are not complacent. Instead, they are striving harder this season to get into the league’s Final Four.
“Tignan natin kung ano [mangyari] kasi ang hirap magsalita [agad] diba? Hindi natin alam mangyari. Kaya gagawin lang namin lahat ng best namin para manalo sa laban ‘yun lang,” Una said.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Una is ready to finish what he started and make a name for himself in San Sebastian’s basketball history.
