In a sport of giants, it’s always a sight to behold when diminutive athletes dominate in basketball
Five-foot-ten point guard Aljun Melecio did that to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their UAAP Season 80 opener.
Melecio uncorked three after three and sliced his way into the lane. By the end of the game, the smallest guy on the court had a career-high 29 points and had led the Green Archers to a 95-90 win.
The sophomore insisted that his scoring came in the rhythm of his role within the Green Archers’ “Mayhem” system.
“I just played my game lang talaga. Swerte ako na pumapasok ‘yung shots ko,” said Melecio, who grabbed six rebounds as well.
“Wala naman akong iniisip na kailangan ko maka-score.”
Still, the Bukidnon-native acknowldeged that he has a long way to go with his game. For now, Melecio wants to develop more as a playmaker and find the best shot in every possession.
“Nandoon naman ‘yung coaches para i-guide kami. Every time na kita nila na sumusobra na ako or nang-gigil, they tell me to relax,” said last season’s Rookie of the Year.
“Kasi minsan pag feel ko talaga, I want to shoot. Pero, kailangan ko din isipin na there might be a better shot.”
And, despite coming away with the win, Melecio is looking forward to when the Green Archers begin to play better.
“Alam kong may better game pa kami. Na kapag lumalamang kami, kaya namin na hindi na padikitin,” shared Melecio.
“For me, ‘di ako satisfied sa game namin.”
