Jonnel Policarpio played like a man trying to prove a point for De La Salle University during the UAAP Season 86 Men’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament.
During the entire four-day meet, the all-around 6-foot-4 forward averaged 6.88 points and 5.88 rebounds.
He proved that even without Kevin Quiambao, the Green Archers are still a force in the three-a-side game.
“Para sa akin, gusto naming lahat – yung kaming lima – gusto namin makuha yung back-to-back championship and binibigay talaga namin yung best namin every game,” said Policarpio.
“Every game is an opportunity.”
Indeed, representing the green-and-white is something that Policarpio relishes.
Earlier this year, Policarpio wanted to leave La Salle to support his family.
But after a talk with the school, the 21-year-old native of Pampanga eventually returned to the team.
A few months later, he was embroiled in a brawl in a ‘ligang labas’ game.
Yet, despite all the noise, La Salle forgave him.
Now, he is repaying the trust given to him.
(C) UAAP Season 86
“Nag-usap lang kami ni Coach Topex. Sabi lang sa akin ni Coach Topex, para sa aming dalawa, hindi na kami bago sa isa’t isa ni Coach Topex. Tinuturing ko na siyang tatay. I think tuloy-tuloy na tong maganda pinapakita ko sa La Salle,” he said.
Now that his immediate future is secure, all Policarpio wants to do is focus on his role as a student-athlete on and off the court.
If there is one thing that the uncertainty of the past months did to him, it was making him a more serious person.
His goal is to continue winning for La Salle regardless if it’s on the 3×3 or 5-on-5 courts.
“Para sa akin, isa din ‘to para makakompyansa para sa darating na Season 87,” said Policarpio, who was hailed as the Rookie of the Year in 3×3.
“Nag-focus ako para sa game and sa school para sa eligibility. Sana magtuloy-tuloy lang yung magandang pinapakita ko sa La Salle. Kaming lahat naman eh all-out para magawa yung back-to-back championship sa La Salle.”
