Mark Nonoy left the UAAP as a champion, achieving this feat at the expense of his good friend CJ Cansino.
Nonoy, who produced eight points, three rebounds, and three steals in De La Salle University’s 73-69 victory over University of the Philippines in Game Three of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament finals, stated that it was all business on the court, as eternal glory was on the line.
Despite being former teammates who led University of Santo Tomas to the Season 82 Finals, any past issues were water under the bridge.
“Kami ni CJ, kahit papano, nag-uusap pa rin kami. Nandun pa rin ‘yung friendship namin off the court. Pero on the court talaga sabi ko, ito na ‘yung time ko,” said the 5-foot-8 shooting guard from La Carlota, Negros Occidental.
“Nabigyan ako ng opportunity na makapaglaro sa finals, at kahit na natalo kami nung Game One, hindi kami nawalan ng pag-asa na makabawi sa Game Two at sa Game Three. Alam ko ayaw din magpatalo ni CJ kasi last year niya na din pero siguro ito na ‘yung tamang time para sa akin.”
After leaving UST back in 2020, Nonoy and Cansino have now each won one UAAP championship. What should have been a glorious future for the Growling Tigers ended up being shared success between the Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers.
For the 22-year-old speedy guard, though, this championship is a culmination of all his hard work in the UAAP. Instead of focusing on continuing life as a basketball player, he will make it a point to spend time with his child.
“Siguro kailangan ko muna magpahinga. Ito baby ko kailangan ko munang bigyan ng atensyon kasi almost halfway hindi kami nagkikita, hindi kami nagsasama,” he said.
“Kailangan ko muna mag-rest muna siguro. Baka next year, tignan ko na lang kung anong plan ko for next year.”
