He may not be the biggest name in the University of the Philippines but Cyril Gonzales delivered in UP’s revenge win over National University in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The Samal Island native contributed 15 points, 12 of which arrived in the fourth quarter. And he helped State U prevail, 75-63, at NU’s expense – in effect avenging its 75-80 loss last October 12.
“Masaya siyempre. Ginawa ko lang yung role ko. Bonus na lang sa akin yung puntos,” said Gonzales, who only averaged 4.33 points in the first round.
He is admittedly one of the less heralded names in the star-studded Fighting Maroons’ lineup. Still, UP coach Goldwin Monteverde relied on the former NU Bullpup to be a key man in State U’s seventh win this season.
Gonzales did the hard work on defense and shot 3-of-6 from deep to repay his long-time mentor’s faith in him.
“Sa totoo lang, ever since before, alam ko naman ang capability niya. I think he was given that moment to show kung anong kaya niya. Lahat naman kami, yung tiwala namin sa kanya (nandun),” said Monteverde.
“I’m really happy with the way he played in the fourth quarter.”
For his part, though, Gonzales felt fulfilled that he managed to play his part to help UP clinch the win.
It is as if he discounts his overall production in his 21:40 minutes on the floor. In reality, he is simply happy to do the job asked of him.
“Binibigyan ko ng halaga yung tiwala ni coach. Ginagawa ko lang yung role ko sa team. Kung ano man mangyari, after the game buo pa rin kami,” said the 6-foot Gonzales, who transferred out of Mapua University in 2020.
“May tiwala si coach sa akin. May tiwala din ako sa pinapagawa niya sa akin.”
With UP aiming to clinch back-to-back titles, only wins will do if they want to manifest destiny.
For Gonzales, it is about being consistent. Adamson University is next up, so he and the Fighting Maroons know that another difficult test is on the horizon.
“Siguro same approach kami sa games namin, hindi lang sa Adamson. Siguro maging consistent kami first (quarter) hanggang fourth para maganda yung kinalabasan ng laro namin.”
