Eight years.
That’s how long Shane Menina’s collegiate journey took him. And it was a ride that took him from Intramuros to Sampaloc to Cebu City before ending up in Legarda.
But the journey was all worth it for the 25-year-old sniper.
“Yung last two games namin, i-grab ko para manalo kami dun para maganda exit ko. Kasi panget naman nito pag puro talo, tapos wala na ako sa college – so grab ko na,” said Menina, a Cardinal-turned-Bulldog-turned-Webmaster-turned Chief.
“Baka next year puwede pa. Nahiya na din ako kapag next year, so wala na; so grab ko na ‘to – last ko na ‘to.”
In his final year of collegiate eligibility, he averaged 10.0 points, 4.5 assists, 3.57 rebounds, and 1.96 steals per game.
However, he was not able to have his swansong as he missed the Chiefs’ last game due to a family emergency.
Despite not being able to lead the Chiefs to the Final Four, he has no regrets.
“Ipakita ko lang ‘yung best ko kasi may balak ako sa pro. Di ko dapat gawin ‘yung mga laro ko, ‘yung pati sa defense dapat i-improve ko kasi sa pro depensa talaga, so ‘yun ang kulang ko. So, offense, defense trabahuhin ko, ‘yung mga ano pa kulang ko,” he continued.
“Oo nag usap kami kay sir Peter [Cayco] lagot ako kapag hindi man manalo. So happy kami na nanalo kami,” expressed Menina as he posted 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals against Perpetual.
“Compose lang kami lagi every game, every minute gawin namin. [Kailangan] di kami mag-relax.”
For what’s next? Menina is gunning for the stars.
“Yes meron [ako plan] kasi ‘yun ang pangarap ko eh. Kasi libre lang mangarap diba,” he said about entering the draft.
“So kahit ma-draft ako, tapos hindi ako ma-sign… tuloy pa rin ang basketball ko. ‘Yun ang mindset ko, tuloy pa rin kahit ano mangyari.”
