Louis Gamban is aiming high in his debut in the Spikers’ Turf with Savouge.
The former University of the Philippines main gunner announced his arrival loudly, despite coming off the bench, pouring in a game-high 18 points to lead the Spin Doctors to a 23-25, 25-17, 25-12, 22-25, 15-8 escape over Martelli Meats on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Gamban shared that with a loaded team this Invitational Conference, Savouge is seeking a podium finish—its first in the team’s three conferences in the men’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.
“Siguro one game at a time, more wins to come and kailangan pa namin ipush yung sarili namin at kailangan namin makakuha ng medal this conference,” said the 6-foot outside spiker.
Head coach Sydney Calderon, who also owns the team, is excited to have the explosive spiker from UP as an added weapon to an already-loaded wing spiker rotation consisting of Hero Austria, Lorenz Señoron, Sherwin Caritativo, Norwel Sanama, Neil De Pedro, and Noy Pedrosa.
Gamban made his 18 points efficiently, converting almost half of his spike attempts, going 16-of-34.
Calderon also explained her decision to have Gamban come off the bench in the Spin Doctors’ first game this conference.
“Si Louis malaking tulong talaga kasi before this conference, sumasali talaga kami ng mga leagues outside and I know Louis so sabi ko sa kanya you have to observe first bago kita ipapasok kasi syempre, ayaw ko naman mapressure siya kaagad so sabi ko sa kanya sa bench ka muna, tapos nung ipapasok ko na siya it’s your time to do what is right,” said Calderon.
“Hindi natin kailangan ng sobrang palakasan dito, utakan dito. Gusto ko rin sa kanya during training nagbabuy in talaga siya sa system namin,” she added.
With a shining debut performance, Gamban promises even better games as he becomes more acquainted with his new team, which he joined just two months ago.
“Two months na akong nasa Savouge and okay naman yung pagtransition ko sa Savouge kasi sobrang alaga nila sa akin. Ginagawa ko lang yung best every training at sa game,” said Gamban.