Despite the lengthy journey from Recto to San Marcelino, Harvey Pagsanjan aims to make an immediate impact with Emilio Aguinaldo College in NCAA Season 100, especially with head coach Jerson Cabiltes at the helm.
The 6-foot guard chose to forego his senior year at University of the East early last year to play with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the MPBL.
This was where he reunited with his coach from Hope Christian Academy.
His presence was immediately felt in the Generals’ upset of reigning NCAA champions San Beda University, 76-67, at the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.
Currently, the Red Lions hold a 26-0 record against EAC since the Generals joined the league 13 years ago.
The 25-year-old senior hopes this win will eventually translate to success in the NCAA next season, as the San Marcelino-based squad remains in search of their first-ever Final Four appearance.
“Magandang sign ‘to sa amin na nakuha namin ‘yung first [preseason] win, tapos sa San Beda pa after 13 years. ‘Yung goal naman namin, makapasok ng Final Four, matuloy-tuloy ‘yung magandang ginagawa namin,” said Pagsanjan, noting that they are also out to end the Generals’ 27-game losing streak against the Red Lions.
In their come-from-behind win, Pagsanjan contributed seven points and five rebounds in 19 minutes of action for EAC.
Moreover, he credits Cabiltes’ confidence in him for allowing him to easily adjust ever since his commitment to the Generals.
“Naging madali ‘yung adjustment sa’kin kasi sobrang welcomed ako dito sa EAC, tsaka ‘yung composure ko mas nagging okay. Kasi si coach Jerson, alam naman natin, matagal ko na siyang kasama, so alam kong same lang nasa isip namin,” the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth member shared.
After finishing his one-year residency period, all eyes will be on how Pagsanjan will fit in with this young EAC core moving forward – and if his chemistry with Cabiltes will maximize the team’s potential to go where no Generals squad has ever been before.
