JM Calma is definitely not forgetting his San Sebastian roots.
And during the Golden Stags’ game against Mapua University last Sunday, the Northport big man was the loudest cheerer for San Sebastian, screaming his heart out for the entire 40-minute affair that ended up as a thrilling 57-56 win for his alma mater.
The collegiate vibe is definitely a feeling that he misses.
“Siyempre, una ang sarap bumalik sa NCAA eh,” shared Calma as last season was played at La Salle Green Hills with little to no audience.
“Nung last season kasi medyo tahimik ‘yung laro, walang drums, walang mga nananood. So, bumalik ako para ma-feel ‘yung NCAA talaga na katulad ng dati na may drums, meron may nanood sayo, and sobrang saya.”
Up to this day, Calma, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft, admitted that he still seeks advice from his head coach Egay Macaraya and his assistants.
“Ako naman di naman ako tumitigil eh. Actually nga gina-guide pa rin ako ni Coach Egay kahit wala na ako sa kanya eh. China-chat niya ako pag may time, china-chat niya ako ‘pa-condition ka, nag uusap pa rin kami di namin pinuputol ‘yung communication,” the 6-foot-6 native of Tarlac City shared.
“Tiyaka ‘yung mga assistant coach niya sila Coach Melo [Banua]. Pag may time ako pumupunta ako dun, mag e-ensayo dahil welcome naman ako sa San Sebastian.”
Macaraya, a former Sta. Lucia Realtor, admitted that
“Well, sinabi ko kay JM nga sa PBA kasi just like him galing rin kasi rin kasi ako dun is ano ‘yung personal improvement mo on on the off-time ‘yung wala kayong season – that’s the key there.‘Yun palagi sinsabi ko na hindi ka pwedeng hindi magpapa-condition kasi rookie ka. Hey, you have to improve every single time kesa magre-relax ka at magpupunta ka sa beach. Galit kasi ako nung pumupunta siya beach palagi,” quipped Macaraya.
“Well, pumunta ka diyan sa beach okay, pero sandali lang, you have to go back to focus kasi pera na yan eh, that’s his life and that’s his job. So, ganun lang ako magalit sa mga anak ko, pero pumupunta pa rin sila sa akin.”
Seeing how Calma has thrived in the pros so far, one of Calma’s juniors in Rommel Calahat is inspired by his journey.
But for now, the 6-foot-2 native of Cagayan de Oro is just glad to fill the shoes left by Calma.
“Yes po sabi ni Coach Egay dapat kinukuha ko na po ‘yung responsibilidad kasi kami-kami na lang po natira diyan eh na bale seniors po kami,” said Calahat, who tallied 17 points and 17 rebounds against Mapua.
“Kasi, puro bago po ‘yung mga teammate namin kaya inaako ko po ‘yung [position].”
