Jonnel Policarpio finally showed why he was a prized recruit for De La Salle University during the extended off-season brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Policarpio, who stands at 6-foot-5 and hails from Pampanga, produced 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and one block in the Green Archers’ 88-79 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
After a slow start to life as a Green Archer, the 21-year-old do-it-all forward is just glad to be a solid contributor to his team.
“Ginagawa ko lang yung trabaho ko na pinapagawa sa akin ni Coach (Topex Robinson) and sumusunod lang ako sa sistema at dinodoble ko lang yung sipag ko rin,” the NCAA Season 94 Juniors MVP said.
“Always ready ako sa kung kailan ako ipapasok ni Coach Topex. Yun, lesson lang every day and every game.”
Policarpio made a big name for himself back in his high school days, leading Mapua to the NCAA Season 94 championship.
Before he officially suited up for La Salle, he was active in various youth leagues. There, he caught the attention and excitement of most observers.
Kevin Quiambao, his teammate, was not surprised with his impact tonight. Both of them linked up effectively for the Green Archers and their time on the floor a while ago is something that opponents will no doubt study.
“Sobrang thankful lang ako nakuha namin yung panalo and shumushoot yung mga tira ko and credits dito kay Jonnel, kaming dalawa yung nag run eh so thank you, thank you,” said Quiambao.
Back in the first round, La Salle lost to UP, National University, and Ateneo de Manila University.
Now? The Green Archers have beaten their first two conquerors. It remains to be seen if they can beat their archrivals, who are struggling this season.
What is certain, though, is that La Salle is the hottest team in the league right now. The Green Archers are on a four-game winning streak and it is as if they are peaking at the right time.
“Sabi ko sa sarili ko and mga teammate ko na babawiin namin yung mga talo namin nung first round and trabaho lang,” said Policarpio.
“Hindi pa tapos.
“Para sa akin naman, yung mga natutunan namin nung first round, yung mga mali namin, kailangan namin itama sa second round,” he stressed.
A win in the UAAP is always something to enjoy, especially when it comes to a big game. La Salle suffered a miserable 64-67 loss to UP in the first round.
It was such an anticlimactic defeat since a simple turnover in the endgame secured the victory for the Fighting Maroons.
This time, things were different.
The Lasallian community was in full voice to celebrate the victory. Despite the good feeling, Policarpio wants him and his teammates to not get carried away as their job is not done yet.
“Sobrang sarap maging Lasalista lalo kapag naglalaro ka sa La Salle. Makikita mo yung suporta ng La Salle, yung La Salle community, yung mga coaches, at yung mga managers,” he said.
“Trabaho pa rin kami and focus kami sa system and kung ano yung gagawin namin.”
