Mark Esperanza was supposed to be the face of the new era in San Sebastian basketball.
The 5-foot-11 floor general from Marikina was widely regarded as the top point guard of his batch, which made it rare for a talent like him to transfer from the UAAP to the NCAA.
Last June, he made the leap from Adamson University to San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
Admittedly, promises were made — but not delivered.
Golden Stags head coach Rob Labagala revealed last Wednesday that he and his staff had not received their salaries for the past four months, while players also went unpaid during the same period by their backer Red Dynasty.
Following that, Esperanza took to social media to voice his frustrations.
“Three months na po walang allowance,” the 18-year-old, who was a member of the UAAP Season 87 Mythical Team, confirmed to Tiebreaker Times.
The NCAA suspended Esperanza for the first three games of the season for playing in the Junior MPBL. But for Esperanza, it was a necessary step for his family.
Despite not having received any allowance for the past quarter, Esperanza continues to give his all for the Staglets. He has averaged a league-best 23.33 points per game, along with 6.67 rebounds, 4.33 assists, and 2.83 steals per contest.
However, his efforts have translated to just a single win in nine outings for San Sebastian.
Esperanza admits he has some regrets about leaving Adamson.
“Lahat tayo may maling desisyon,” one of his posts read. “Desisyon lang mali, hindi buong pagkatao natin.
“May bukas pa, bawi tayo.”
Despite the challenges, the Grade 11 standout plans to fulfill his commitments to San Sebastian before obtaining his high school diploma and preparing for the next step in his collegiate career.
Esperanza will age out in the junior ranks after this season.
