By: Miguel Caramoan
San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ prized recruit Mark Esperanza will have to wait a little longer for his debut.
The former Adamson Baby Falcon was seen in street clothes during the Staglets’ first game of the NCAA Season 101 Juniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
His absence was due to participation in two games with the JY Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the Junior MPBL last week.
The NCAA prohibits its players from joining any league two weeks before the season begins.
As a result, Esperanza was suspended for three games and will miss the Staglets’ upcoming matches against Arellano on October 7 and Lyceum-Cavite on October 10.
According to the 5-foot-11 guard, his decision to play in the MPBL was not made in bad faith. He simply wanted to stay in shape and prepare for the season.
(C) Jackson Chua
“Naglaro ako sa Team Caloocan para maka-gain ng experience and mag-pakondisyon. Sobrang lungkot na tatlong beses ako di makakalaro this season. Hindi rin ako makakatulong sa teammates ko pati na sa mga coaches ko. Yung tiwala nila, susuklian ko talaga pagbalik ko,” Esperanza told Tiebreaker Times.
This marks Esperanza’s second stint in the NCAA, having previously played for Arellano High School back in Grade 9. Yet, being on San Sebastian’s side gave him a fresh perspective on the game.
“Sobrang thankful sa community na sobrang solid sumuporta. Yung crowd iba yung pag-cheer nila sa team,” he said.
Esperanza’s absence was felt as the Staglets fell 78-61 to the Perpetual Help Junior Altas. Browyn Tepan led the team with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The 5-foot-11 guard was a major acquisition for San Sebastian after an impressive run with Adamson. In UAAP Season 87, he averaged 16.6 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, earning Mythical Team honors. He was also instrumental in Adamson’s Season 86 title and was named Finals MVP, ending a 31-year championship drought.
Looking ahead, expectations are high that Esperanza will be a key player for head coach Shelito Caro. The 18-year-old guard is eager to repay the trust placed in him by the Staglets.
“Sobrang saya na winelcome nila ako sa Staglets. Ibibigay ko talaga best ko para makatulong sa team pagbalik ko,” Esperanza said.
