Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Losses led to Encho Serrano changing demeanor


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.

UAAP-81-DLSU-vs.-UE-Serrano-5209 Losses led to Encho Serrano changing demeanor Basketball DLSU News UAAP  - philippine sports news

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.

#ReadMore  FEU survives foul-plagued game despite holding UP scoreless in first qtr

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.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Defending champion Pampanga went into overtime to edge Nueva Ecija, 83-80, on Wednesday, setting up a North Division title clash with San Juan in...

Basketball

Defending champion Pampanga held off Nueva Ecija’s final push to clinch Game One, 76-73, in their North Division semifinal series in the Maharlika Pilipinas...

ADMU

The rivalry between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University will always be a crowd-drawer in the UAAP. However, the latest installment...

Basketball

De La Salle University will always cherish the memories of Archers who shone brightly against archrival Ateneo de Manila University. Legends like Joseph Yeo...

ADMU

Kevin Quiambao reset his career-high with 33 points as De La Salle University asserted its dominance over rival Ateneo de Manila University, 80-65, marking...

ADMU

Just like that, the Philippine collegiate basketball season is approaching its most exciting phase, with the Final Four just weeks away in both the...

ADMU

With four games remaining in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, De La Salle University has already secured a spot in the...

AdU

De La Salle University became the first team to secure a Final Four spot in UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball, delivering a commanding...

Advertisement