University of the Philippines currently parades a stacked team in Season 84 headlined by the likes of Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and Ricci Rivero.
However, a hidden gem in the form of Harold Alarcon delivered in their rubber match against De La Salle University on Friday evening.
The native of Negros Occidental stepped up and provided timely contributions as the Fighting Maroons played without CJ Cansino and Terrence Fortea. Both were sidelined due to their respective injuries.
Alarcon compiled 14 points built on three three-pointers to go with six rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block in 26 minutes of action.
After a huge performance, he claimed that he just wanted to give his best effort and maximize the opportunity given to him in order to contribute to the team’s winning cause against the Green Archers.
“Siguro po, ‘nung wala si CJ [Cansino], Terrence [Fortea], nag-ready lang po akong bubunutin ako ni Coach Gold [Monteverde],” he shared.
“Ni-ready ko lang sarili ko maglaro ako maayos. Bigay ko lang best ko, and ‘yun nga po. ‘Di naman rason ‘yun kahit wala sila, bibigay lang namin ng madali sa La Salle.”
Like Tamayo, Fortea, and Gerry Abadiano, Alarcon was also a key contributor to the stacked Nazareth School of National University squad that grabbed back-to-back titles for seasons 81 and 82 of the UAAP High School Boys’ Division.
Upon moving up to the collegiate ranks, however, he had to find his place in another crowded backcourt – this time with the Fighting Maroons.
Despite not seeing heavy minutes on a regular basis, Alarcon made sure that he is always ready to play to the best of his abilities whenever his number will be called.
His readiness showed in their game against DLSU. His contributions allowed UP to overcome a 14-point deficit and narrowly escape with the victory to clinch their seat in the Finals.
Still playing for Goldwin Monteverde, the 6-foot-1 winger credited their head coach for instilling the never-say-die attitude in them dating back to their days in Sampaloc.
“Yun nga ‘yung pagpalaki sa amin ni Coach Gold simula pa ‘nung NU. ‘Yung culture ni Coach Gold, ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-importante – ‘di bibitaw hanggang ‘di pa tapos ‘yung last buzzer,” said the 20-year-old Alarcon, who was playing just seven minutes per game prior to their do-or-die tilt.
Now set to play in the Finals against Ateneo, Alarcon and the rest of the Fighting Maroons are simply going to trust and play within their system. And they will try to put up a good fight against the defending champions.
“Siguro po, ‘di na namin iisipin ‘yung last game namin kalaban Ateneo. Mag-stay present lang kami. Paghandaan nalang namin ‘yung next game namin sa Sunday at magtiwala lang sa sistema namin,” he stressed.
“Yun lang naman po eh, magtiwala sa sistema, tapos kami mag fo-follow, maglalaro ng maayos. ‘Dun namin malalaman yung resulta eh.”
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