When the clock struck midnight on June 1, all NCAA student-athletes playing in the MPBL were pulled out from their teams.
Their time as special guest players in the regional league had come to an end.
However, there were a few who chose to remain and forgo their remaining collegiate years.
One of them is Kyle Tolentino, a promising 6-foot-3 winger who has opted to stay with South Cotabato. It was one of the toughest decisions he had to make.
“Tingin ko dito ako mas maggro-grow as a player,” said the son of coach Elvis Tolentino, adding that other schools have contacted him for a potential transfer but ultimately, he chose to remain in the MPBL.
“Also, nasa maganda at maayos na team ako ngayon, at mas masarap maglaro sa team na nakikita yung worth mo as a player.”
(C) Vyn Radovan
Tolentino spent the last three years with the Knights.
However, during NCAA Season 99, he departed the team midway through the season to find himself.
Still, he has no regrets about the three fruitful years he spent in Intramuros.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa Letran. Letran ang unang nagbigay sa akin ng pagkakataon na makapaglaro sa NCAA at magkaroon ng scholarship,” he expressed.
“I wish nothing but the best for them.”
Now, Tolentino is looking to hone his craft in the MPBL, hoping that over the next couple of years, it will help him be ready for the PBA.
“Ako naman, I don’t see myself as a young player anymore. Siguro ‘yun ‘yung natutunan ko na huwag mong isipin na bata ka kasi one day, you never know, patapos na ang career mo. Madami pa akong matututunan. Decision-making ko lalo na pag crucial moments, at siyempre ‘yung strength and conditioning din kasi isa ‘yun sa importante going into the next level. Kailangan prepared ka mentally and physically,” he said.
“Siguro by 2025 or 2026 ako magpapa-draft, depende pa, pero ngayon, focus muna ako sa MPBL. Hindi ko pa masyadong iniisip ‘yung next step ko. Focus on what’s in front muna. Malaking bagay din na halos lahat ng teammates ko sa South Cotabato ay ex-PBA, kaya andami kong pwedeng pagtanungan at hingan ng advice tungkol sa PBA.”
