In the first round of the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s rookie big man Angelo Gelsano was rarely called upon for his services.
Gelsano made eight appearances in the nine games played by Perpetual in the first round, but the Junior Altas product only played an average of 6 minutes and 8 seconds.
He had scored 0.88 points and grabbed 1.75 rebounds per game.
Despite Gelsano’s limited playing time, head coach Myk Saguiguit knows that he can rely on the young big man to step up when the moment calls for it.
Gelsano already has a lot of experience under Saguiguit in the junior program of Perpetual, so he is more familiar with the system than your average rookie.
Instead of seeking greener pastures elsewhere, Gelsano put his faith in Saguiguit’s system and committed himself to the Altas for college as well.
“Siyempre, si Gelo matagal na sa Perpetual, simula pa nung high school, Junior Altas na siya.
“Kilala niya ang sistema nang lubos dahil player ko siya sa juniors. Kaya kahit kailan, alam niya ang gagawin niya,” explained Saguiguit.
With the Altas struggling to get back into the game against a wily Colegio de San Juan de Letran squad, Saguiguit turned to Gelsano and asked for his help in bringing the Altas back into the game.
When faced with the challenge, Gelsano delivered.
He played 15 minutes and had an impressive stat line of 10 points, two rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and an assist. The Altas went on a fourth-quarter rampage to secure a 73-61 victory over the Knights.
Eight of Gelsano’s 10 points came in the fourth quarter during a 19-0 run from Perpetual to overcome Letran.
Gelsano’s heroics were even more timely as Perpetual’s starting big man, Mark Omega, was limited to just five minutes of play due to an ailment in his left arm.
“Maganda ang laro niya kaya nag-stay siya nang matagal.
“Ang ibang mga kasamahan namin, tulad ni Omega, may problema rin. Mayroon siyang sakit sa kaliwang braso, kaya wala akong ibang mabunot na big man, kaya sinabi ko, tingnan natin si Gelo,” shared Saguiguit.
For Gelsano, though, his scoring outburst was only a bonus. Instead, he believes that his main impact comes on the defensive end for the Altas.
“Ako po, yung depensa lang po talaga. Yun lang naman yung maiitulong ko, yung mga puntos bonus na lang iyon. Tiwala lang sa akin ng mga kasamahan ko,” Gelsano said.
Should Omega continue to be limited in the games ahead, Saguiguit and the rest of the Altas will need to place their trust in Gelsano once more. They face the College of Saint Benilde next on Sunday at 2:40 PM.
