Ian Espinosa has borne much of the criticism from the disgruntled Ateneo de Manila University community due to the Blue Eagles’ dismal performance in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
As a second-year lead guard, he was expected to be the floor general on the court, but Ateneo has struggled this season, finishing the first round with a 1-6 record.
However, the Blue Eagles’ trajectory appears to be improving.
As of Saturday, they logged back-to-back wins to open the second round: a 70-68 victory over National University and a narrow 67-64 escape against University of Santo Tomas at their home turf, the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
For the under-fire Espinosa, tuning out external noise is a priority. He focuses on his team and coaches, dismissing the opinions of outsiders.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nagfo-focus lang ako sa circle namin, sa team, sa coaches. Yun din kasi naman yung nagmamatter eh so wala akong — hindi ko pinapakinggan yung mga sinasabi ng iba,” said Espinosa.
“Nagfo-focus lang ako sa mako-control ko. So kung ano man diyan, nandiyan naman yung coaches para tulungan ako eh. Kung may pagkakamali ako, ang sinasabi ko palagi, next play lang, huwag akong matakot magkamali, and kung ano man, magfo-focus lang ako sa mako-control ko.”
Espinosa acknowledged that some online criticisms are valid, which is why he takes time after each game to consult with his coaches about areas for improvement.
“Valid naman yung iba, so kinoconfirm ko rin sa coaches. Kaya palagi, every after game, nagsasabi ako kay Coach Sandy (Arespacochaga) and Coach Sandro (Soriano) kung anong pwede kong ma-improve. Open din ako sa feedback nila.”
His finest performance this season came against the Tigers at the QPav, where he delivered 11 points and six rebounds while posting a plus-17 rating in Ateneo’s narrow victory.
Despite the pressure, Espinosa thrives on it, finding energy in the challenges and criticisms he faces.
“Hindi talaga ako ano sa pressure eh, yung pressure blessing na siya sa akin eh. Mas gugustuhin kong may pressure kaysa wala,” said the hard-nosed backcourt player.
