Incoming San Beda sophomore Evan Nelle admitted that he was extra motivated Thursday afternoon. Across him was his former Radge Tongco when his MetroPac-San Beda Movers faced Wang’s Basketball Couriers in the 2019 PBA D-League.
Tongco was the Red Lions’ team captain back in the NCAA Season 94 in 2018 — his final year of eligibility — while Nelle was still a rookie back then coming from the Red Cubs program. They would go on to snare the Season 94 title.
“Nakaka-inspire, kasi siya senior ko, siya team captain namin,” Nelle said.
“Sarap kalabanin kasi he taught me so much.”
That inspiration had been evident with the way Nelle delivered in the match. He flirted with a triple-double with 11 points, seven assists, and six rebounds and added two steals to help the Movers to an impressive 94-70 win.
But of all the numbers he had, Nelle found more satisfaction with the fact that he didn’t commit a single turnover.
“Maganda naman, lero para sakin yung pinakamagandang stats ko yung zero turnovers,” said the 5-foot-10 floor general, who played 21 minutes. “Feeling ko naman nacontrol ko yung game.
“Tsaka yung teammates ko rin nagki-click, ang sarap pasahan.”
The Movers have now improved to 2-0 after the win. For Nelle, their chemistry has been progressing, but what has been doing wonders for them is their defense, as that’s what they’re working on since losing to Ateneo in the PCCL semis.
“Good start kami. May chemistry na kami,” he said.
“Since nung talo namin sa Ateneo nag-pick up kami sa defense. Yun yung tinutukan ni coach. Parang kita naman sa game na gumaganda yung pressure namin at team defense namin.”
