A hidden weapon in University of the Philippines’ arsenal finally made his presence felt, as Elliot Dimaculangan delivered an impressive debut to help the Fighting Maroons overcome last season’s Finals tormentor De La Salle University, 80-76, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday.
While usual suspects Noy Remogat and Veejay Pre led the way for UP, Dimaculangan provided a timely boost off the bench. He finished with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field, two rebounds, and a plus-nine rating in just 15 minutes of action.
The 6-foot-4 Fil-Canadian winger, who came out of Simon Fraser University in Canada, had his debut delayed by a shin sprain.
But after missing the Fighting Maroons’ first four games of the season, he made an immediate impact in his first appearance at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Coach gave me the opportunity to play in this game tonight, and I just wanna do whatever it takes to win. Just making the right plays, playing hard on defense, and just do whatever it takes to have an impact in the game,” said Dimaculangan after the victory.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Head coach Goldwin Monteverde, meanwhile, believes Dimaculangan’s promising debut is only the beginning. He also expressed confidence that the utility player will continue to improve as he becomes more comfortable with the UAAP’s style of play.
Dimaculangan spent three seasons at SFU, averaging 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 33-percent from beyond the arc.
He transferred to UP ahead of Season 88 as the Fighting Maroons prepared for life after the quintet famously dubbed their own “Maroon 5.”
“Nagkaroon siya ng sprain. I think moving forward naman, siyempre first game niya ngayon, facing ‘yung mga challenges namin together, definitely mas gaganda pa ‘yung tulungan namin. For me, ‘yung growth pa rin ang pinaka importante,” said Monteverde of Dimaculangan, who has one more year of eligibility remaining.
“Of course ‘yung paglaro ni Elliot today is malaking bagay sa amin dahil it’s been a while din ano? We’re happy that he’s back, happy kami na kumpleto na kami. Makakatulong talaga siya sa amin.”
UP improved to 3-2 with the victory. The team will close out the first round against Adamson University on Wednesday, then University of the East on Saturday.
Dimaculangan hopes to build on his impressive debut as the Fighting Maroons look to gain further momentum heading into the second round.
