By: Jerod Orcullo
After keeping its playoff hopes alive with a wire-to-wire 78-71 victory over Mapua University on Tuesday, Emilio Aguinaldo College is on the brink of returning to the Final Four of the juniors’ basketball tournament for the first time since NCAA Season 87.
A key factor in the Brigadiers’ resurgence this season has been the consistent play of EJ Castillo, who leads the team in scoring with 18.50 points per game while also averaging 5.50 rebounds, 3.38 assists, and 1.38 steals.
Last season, despite EAC falling short of a Final Four berth, Castillo’s stellar performances earned him a spot on the Mythical Five as he led the league in scoring with 22.67 points per game.
At first glance, his scoring numbers may appear to have dipped this season, but it’s not due to a decline in performance. Rather, he now has more support on the offensive end, with teammates Ian Cuajao and Kelly Coronel stepping up for Emilio Aguinaldo.
Cuajao, in his debut season with the Brigadiers, is right behind Castillo with averages of 16.13 points, 5.50 rebounds, 2.13 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. Meanwhile, Coronel has been a two-way presence, contributing 13.0 points, 5.88 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.88 blocks, and 1.25 assists per contest.
“Syempre masaya ako, kasi nakita ko sila na mag-grow mga teammates ko, nakita ko yung improvements nila, yung hardwork nila. Nakikita naman natin sa court na nag-papaid off, yun lang,” the 18-year-old Castillo said when asked about his teammates’ production this season.
Under the guidance of head coach Noy Catalan, the team has shown remarkable improvement. Just two seasons ago, in Season 98, the Brigadiers languished at the bottom of the standings without a single win.
According to Castillo, the biggest factor in their turnaround has been their relentless work ethic, with daily practices even before the season started.
“Siguro yung differences talaga yung, grabe talaga yung hardwork talaga ng team namin. Ang training namin araw-araw talaga, everyday. So, ang pahinga lang namin, workout yan or shooting,” the 6-foot-1 guard said.
“Nakarami rin kami ng sermon kay coach, sobra, kaya siguro tumibay kami, tapos lalong nabuo yung trust ng team.”
Despite their progress, Emilio Aguinaldo’s Final Four spot is far from secured. A crucial matchup against La Salle Greenhills looms, which could determine their postseason fate.
Though confident in his performance through seven games, Castillo emphasized the need to stay locked in and lead by example, knowing his role extends beyond scoring.
“Kailangan ko lang ituloy yung pagiging aggressive ko sa loob, kasi ako yung captain ball nila para nakikita nila ako na ganun. Syempre parang role model ako.”
