With star Point Guard and Gilas Cadet Standout, Baser Amer, out for at least six weeks after dislocating his shoulder in his team’s match against the Letran Knights, it is now time for backup guard, Dan Sara, to fill in big shoes in manning the floor general duties for the San Beda Red Lions.
“It’s very challenging for me kasi he [Amer] is considered like the number one point guard in college. Backup niya ako and I take it as challenge,” Sara told Tiebreaker Times on having an increased role for his team. “Pinaghahandaan ko at ‘yung mga sinasabi ni coach sinusundan ko lang para sa team namin.”
Moreover, Jamike Jarin’s free-flowing fast-paced offense enabled Sara to play to his strengths by giving him the keys in running a lot of pick and rolls, applying fullcourt pressure and driving at will to the basket.
In three games played for the Red Lions so far, Sara is quietly putting up solid numbers by posting norms of 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. Also, he is providing the necessary veteran leadership that the team sorely needs with Amer out.
“Sobrang happy ako na siya ang naging coach ko siya kasi I always believed na fit ako for a run and gun team,” Sara added. “In the province, ganoon din ang system ko noong high school.”
In addition, Sara’s emergence is made possible through his relentless efforts game in and game out. In a highly physical NCAA match, it really pays off to exhibit grit in battling it out against bigger and more agile counterparts.
“I’m always ready sa lahat ng games kahit anong team pa iyan. Ready lang ako always and I give my 102 percent,” he remarked.
San Beda’s next game will be against the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Blazers tomorrow, 2:00 pm, at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
