By: Brenn Allen Flores
Transferee Jhomel Ancheta has made a notable impact in his first two games in the NCAA, including leading College of St. Benilde to a hard-fought victory against San Beda University.
Ancheta, a 21-year-old floor general from San Mateo, Rizal, led the Blazers with 17 points – five of which came in overtime – and contributed five assists on 42.9 percent shooting.
Blazers Head Coach Charles Tiu recognized from the start that Ancheta would be a crucial asset for Benilde this season.
““Actually, last year after CEU won the UCAL title, Boss Frank (Lao) called me to let me know he had recruited a new point guard—si Ancheta. I trusted his judgment, so I said, ‘Let’s bring him in.’ And it turned out he was really good,” said Tiu about the former CEU Scorpion.
“He’s always had a lot of heart, and that’s what I really like about him – he’s not afraid of the moment, and he’s skilled.”
Tiu recalled the first time he saw Ancheta in action for the Blazers during a tune-up game at Ateneo.
“When he first came, he was on the B team. We had a tune-up game against Ateneo, and I let him play just to see how he would fare. Even in that game – which was a year ago – he looked really good,” shared Tiu.
Ancheta admitted that he was nervous for their first game against Mapua but managed to maintain his composure, contributing 17 points in the 78-65 win.
“Kasi first game ko po sa MOA, tapos first game sa NC. Aminado naman po ako na medyo may kabado ako kasi siyempre first game,” he said.
“Hindi naman kami dinodown ni Coach Charles, hindi naman siya nagagalit at naiintindihan niya din po kami time to time so medyo nao-overcome ko naman,” added Ancheta, who also trains at Better Basketball.
Following the grueling win, the Blazers will next face Emilio Aguinaldo College, who swept them in the elimination rounds last year.
“I’ve been saying they’re a tough team. We have to prepare well for them. They have a lot of good guards, they recruited very well, and they beat us twice last year, so hopefully, makabawi naman kami this year,” said Tiu.
