By: Joaquin Cortez
Dan Marcelo understands the responsibility that comes with being one of San Beda University’s key playmakers this season.
With standout guard Nygel Gionzales sidelined for NCAA Season 102 due to an ACL tear in his right knee, the Filipino-Canadian guard has been thrust into a bigger role alongside Jimmy Reyes for the season hosts and defending champions.
After helping San Beda secure its first win of the season against the Lyceum of the Philippines University on Wednesday, Marcelo acknowledged the challenge of filling the void left by one of the Red Lions’ remaining core pieces from last season.
“It feels like a really big responsibility on my plate. But I don’t try to take it as a big responsibility, but more of a blessing,” said Marcelo.
“Knowing that what I put in every single day and knowing that my coaches trust me to make shots or create for my teammates is really big and a boost for my confidence as a player,” he added.
Marcelo backed up that trust by tallying 16 points and six rebounds off the bench as San Beda bounced back from its season-opening loss to the College of Saint Benilde with a convincing 83-74 wire-to-wire victory over the Pirates.
Reyes also delivered with 15 points and five assists, shooting an efficient 4-of-8 from the field.
Despite Marcelo going just 4-of-16 from the field, Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta never wavered in his faith in the guard, encouraging him to continue taking shots as long as they came within the flow of the offense.
(C) NCAA
“I never tell my shooters to stop shooting as long as they are good shots. Alam niyo naman na kahit nagstru-struggle ang shooters ko in the past few seasons, I always give them the confidence to shoot. I see them work in the morning every day,” Escueta said.
That trust has been vital for Marcelo, who entered Season 102 carrying heightened expectations after sitting out a residency year following his transfer from Centro Escolar University.
The guard from Vancouver initially committed to Colegio de San Juan de Letran before having a change of heart and joining Escueta’s den.
While Gonzales’ absence leaves a significant hole in San Beda’s backcourt, Escueta believes the Red Lions have enough depth to weather the setback.
“I think me as San Beda’s coach, I’m very lucky to have Boss Jude (Roque) and, of course, MVP support that we are able to recruit guards like Dan, Jimmy also. Not just them, but even the past guards,” Escueta said.
“So, as I said before, I think I’m very lucky,” he added.
With Gonzales unavailable and San Beda looking to defend its NCAA crown, Marcelo emphasized that the team is embracing a next-man-up mentality.
“We’ve been talking about it every day in practice, knowing that one man down, another man up,” said Marcelo.
“It’s just all about the mentality, knowing that we have great, unbelievable guards with us. It’s just knowing that we can trust one another and how we’re able to gel together on the court and also in practice.”
With Gonzales out, Escueta knows the Red Lions will need more than one player to fill the void, with Marcelo, Reyes, and the rest of San Beda’s guards expected to grow into their expanded roles.
For the veteran coach, that process requires patience as he continues to balance his backcourt and give each guard opportunities to contribute.
“I just tell them to be patient. Of course, I do my best to give everyone equal opportunity,” Escueta said.
“As I want everyone to improve… All of them need to improve and they know what’s gonna keep them staying on the basketball court.”
