In the realm of collegiate basketball, only a few players get a fair amount of playing time.
For De La Salle University’s Francis Escandor, he has used the preseason to prove that he belongs.
During UAAP Season 85, the 6-foot-2 winger only played in three games. However, things started to change when Topex Robinson took the helm and saw potential in Escandor.
Escandor is grateful to Robinson and the rest of the coaching staff, assuring him that he will elevate his game further.
“For me sobrang big confidence kasi the past few preseasons compare sa preseasons ko before I was really struggling,” said Escandor moments after the Green Archers won against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 108-91, in Game 2 semifinals of the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.
“Now under coach Topex, under coach Gian Nazario, they really gave me the opportunity to play, and I think it really helped me boost my confidence and continue to grow as a player.”
The Green Archers’ preseason campaign is going well this year as they booked the finals slot in the 2023 PBA D-League to defend their championship title. They also swept the elimination round of the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup with a 9-0 record.
Escandor said that he and the team improved a lot as everything is now seamless because they put in a lot of effort whenever they are inside or outside the court.
“Overall ‘yung kumpyansa namin on and off the court, everything is effortless for us kasi we prepared for every game, every training, every practice we can, sobrang all out kami and when it comes to game time it all shows,” shared Escandor, who was part of La Salle’s gold-medal winning team in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s 3×3 tournament.
Escandor is currently averaging 9.1 points on 40-percent shooting from deep in the PBA D-League.
Whenever there are good or bad days, the 22-year-old native of Davao City still puts in the hard work, knowing it will pay off in the end.
(C) PBA D-League
“Ever since naman I always work hard, so day in and day out no matter what kahit maganda laro kahit panget laro, always put in the work no matter what,” he said.
Escandor started his rookie year in 2019, and now in his final year in La Salle, he feels an immense thrill of playing his last season for the school.
He vowed that these preseason wins will translate in the upcoming season 86, believing they can regain the crown for the Taft-based school.
“I’m very very excited, very very inspired to play the final year. Siyempre, ngayon, we really-really believe na we can get the championship and we’re really strong,” he expressed.
“And hopefully we can translate our preseason wins sa UAAP.”
