Shevana Laput made waves for De La Salle University in the previous UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, which surely ignited a fire in her brother, PBA player James Laput.
The older Laput has had an impressive “On Tour” campaign for Magnolia so far, remaining undefeated in five games played.
The 6-foot-10 big man grabbed double-digit rebounds in all five outings and scored in double digits three times.
Laput’s preseason performance has been solid, averaging 11.4 points on 74.2 percent shooting, 12.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks.
“Oh hell yeah, that motivates me. My little sister? I can’t let her outdo me all the time,” Laput jokingly said about his sister’s sudden rise.
“That sibling love and rivalry. She’s a champion, and I hope Magnolia becomes a champion too, so we can both be champions,” he added on Friday night after the Hotshots defeated TNT.
Laput was the eighth overall pick in the PBA Season 46 Draft but hasn’t yet produced much in his two years in the league.
His best showing was during the 2022-23 Philippine Cup, where he averaged 3.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12 games.
“I feel like the motivation is really fueling me right now, the motivation to prove myself, prove my worth not only to Magnolia but to all the teams,” said Laput, who recorded 11 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks against the Tropang Giga.
“Nothing’s proven yet, seriously. It’s just the preseason summer tournament, so I hope this carries on to the regular season and gives confidence to the coach and my teammates.”
Now that he has found his groove and become a key contributor to Magnolia’s unbeaten run, Laput vows to continue working hard, hoping that it will translate into regular season success.
Laput will look to continue his impressive performance when the Hotshots face Northport next Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
(C) PBA Images
“I think it’s just a matter of consistently approaching every game and practice with the same mindset, never being complacent. I feel like I’ve fallen into that trap before in the past, but now I’ve experienced the power of hard work and a strong mindset, and I don’t want to let that go. I’m just going to keep working, keep moving forward,” said the towering center.
“Just continue dominating. Continue dominating my role, and hopefully, once the regular season comes, I can show it there too.”
