In his final year with the San Sebastian Golden Stags, Allyn Bulanadi did not receive the role of team captain.
But that does not mean that the 22-year-old forward cannot lead the team.
“Si RK leader namin, so ‘pag nawala siya sa court, walang ibang bubuno ng role niya kundi ako lang.”
During San Sebastian’s game against the Letran Knights, the Golden Stags were fouling out left and right. And that included Ilagan in overtime.
“Sabi lang ni coach, pwede akong maging leader sa court. So kinausap ko sila every possession, ‘wag mag-give up at ipakita natin ang character natin,” continued Bulanadi.
San Sebastian were able to get a stop with less than 20 seconds left. Bulanadi then ran for the races together with Ken Villapando. Then in one swoop, Bulanadi threw a bullet to Villapando for the go-ahead basket, 102-101.
“‘Pag practice, sinasabay naman kami ni coach. May tiwala naman ako sa kanila, lalo na kay Kenneth,” Bulanadi shared.
“Nawalan ako ng kumpyansa nung first half, tsaka nung second half kasi ‘di na ako masyadong pinawisan. Tapos nung overtime, sinabi ng mga coach ko na ako ang magpapanalo, [kaya] binigay ko ang best ko nung overtime,” added Villapando as Bulanadi also pushed him as well.
The win ended San Sebastian’s three-game skid to keep them in the thick of things in the NCAA Season 95 Seniors Basketball tournament.
And this victory was a huge step forward for Bulanadi and the Golden Stags.