During San Beda’s redemption bid, the Cameroonian student-athlete had to sit on the sidelines and could only watch his team regain the throne.
Tankoua’s Season 93 campaign has been clouded with uncertainties. The 23-year-old posted norms of 10.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in 19 games. He has seen highs of scoring 34 points and as low as two points.
“Well, I really appreciate Donald. Even though he started slow kasi he’s coming off an injury, but he getting in shape,” expressed Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez.
But the Finals were the moment he had been waiting for the last 15 months. And he did not let it go to waste on Friday afternoon, finishing with a 20-20 game to power San Beda to a 94-87 Game 1 win against the Lyceum Pirates.
“I just went there and played my heart out to win the game. With my teammates,” said Tankoua, who finished the game with 27 points and 20 rebounds, “what we did in practice, we just did it. It was hard in the start, but we just got back our game.
“We just did what we always do – play together, that’s it.”
“Siguro na-tiyempo lang na time na ng conditioning ni Donald, na on-time talaga pagdating sa Finals,” added Fernandez.
Moreover, Tankoua did not want to disappoint the Bedan faithful that had trooped to the SMART-Araneta Coliseum despite the threat of inclement weather.
“I really wanted to win. I did all my best because I missed this last year. At the start, it was hard because it was my first time with that crowd,” admitted the 6-foot-6 big man.
Though pressured by the big crowd, the Red Lions were able to overcome the odds stacked against them. And it was because of the fortitude they displayed, according to Fernandez.
“Sabi ko nga, yung puso lang talaga ng players ko today ang nanaig. Ayaw magpatalo.”
