By: Ohmer Bautista
After making a huge impact during the off-season, rookie Justin Gutang became one of the highly-anticipated scorers come NCAA season 94 playing for College of Saint Benilde Blazers. But as of late, the Filipino-American cager has yet to reach his peak form.
During the 2018 PBA Aspirants Cup campaign with the Go For Gold Scratchers and the FilOil Flying V Premier Preseason Cup a couple of months ago, Gutang had made a name for himself, establishing himself as an all-around player.
But in his first four games in the NCAA Season 94 Men’s Basketball Seniors division, he has struggled to find his form, averaging 7.75 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. And according to Blazers head coach TY Tang, the collapsing defense marked on his rookie has been the culprit behind the dismal start.
“Well, in a way,” the youthful mentor said. “Because of what he has shown in the preseason, everybody is looking after how they want to defend him, that’s why he’s having a hard time.”
Gutang echoed the same sentiments as his coach.
“Yeah, the coaches are always telling me that teams will start preparing for me now,” the Blazers’ winger shared moments after tallying two points on 33 percent shooting, along with four rebounds and a assist in their win against the JRU Heavy Bombers. “Usually, when a team plays zone, it kinda slows things down.
“It’s not our pace.”
Still, Saint Benilde’s prized rookie remains positive, citing that this predicament will only help him take his game to a much higher level.
“It’s alright,” commented Gutang, referring to NCAA’s level of defense. “Mostly relaxed right now but the coaches are trying to get us prepared. Now, I just got to work on new moves and polish my game.
“Great experience.”
When asked about his mentality towards this adversity, Gutang responded, saying “I’ll always find a way.
“Overcome adversity, never put my head down and strive to win.”
