During his rookie year, Encho Serrano was the De La Salle University’s spark of energy both on and off the court.
Through wins or losses, the native of Pampanga always had a smile and a certain energy that would light up a room.
To start his sophomore year, though, Serrano seemingly lost that joy.
“Wala naman akong pinagdadaanan. Yung mga past games kasi namin, ‘di ako ginagamit, ‘di lumalabas yung laro ko,” he admitted.
“Masyado akong makulit sa team namin — yun yung pagkakakilala sa akin. So kinausap ko sarili ko na kailangan kong mag-focus pa. Lahat ng detalye na gustong ibigay sa akin nila coach, kelangan alam ko lahat.”
It did not help that La Salle experienced such heartbreaking losses.
There was their failed comeback against Ateneo on opening day. Then the one-pointers against UE and UP.
And as the losses came, Serrano grew quieter and quieter. Even his coaches felt it.
“Encho’s been quiet during our practice. Parehas kaming Kapampangan nito, so I approach him and check if he is okay,” said La Salle head coach Gian Nazario about Serrano, who averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just 15 minutes of game time in their first six games of the season.
“Inaamin ko, sobrang frustrated ko, tinatanong ko bakit ganito nangyayari. Pero naisip ko rin na siguro, kailangan kong patunayan.”
In their final game of the first round, Serrano, who turned 20 years old last September 19, made sure to do what he does best — bring energy to La Salle.
The 5-foot-11 guard fired a career-high 29 points on an efficient 13-of-22 shooting clip. His points were timely as he led La Salle to a 92-77 win over the UST Growling Tigers.
And it was an all-important victory for La Salle, as they showed they will not be pushovers.
For Serrano, he plans on exuding a serious demeanor both on and off the court to show that he should be taken seriously.
“Alam nila lahat kung anong kaya kong ibigay sa team namin. Lagi akong tumatawa sa training, tapos game na, warm-up, lagi pa rin akong nakikipagharutan. Siguro, yun yung kinailangan kong baguhin, nawawala yung mindset ko.”
