When Mark Nonoy transferred from University of Santo Tomas to De La Salle University in 2020, hopes were high that he would form a deadly backcourt with fellow transferee Evan Nelle.
After much delay, the long wait to finally see Nonoy represent La Salle came to fruition. And he played a key role in helping this year’s hosts overcome National University in a 59-55 thriller to seal back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 84 Basketball Tournament.
“Umasa ako sa first game (kontra University of the East) na makakalaro ako. Pero ginawa din ng mga PT namin and coaches na pahinga muna kasi para na din sa akin sa yung eliminations lang… Siyempre mahaba dapat (ang pahinga) kasi iksi lang ng liga,” said the former Tiger Cub.
Entering the contest late in the first quarter, Nonoy announced his arrival as a Green Archer with a stop-and-pop three at the 1:28 mark of the period.
The La Carlota City-native then scored 10 more points, which all came in the fourth quarter to provide La Salle with some separation from the scrappy Bulldogs.
Aside from 13 points, he was also able to provide four rebounds and four assists in 18:40 minutes of action. Not bad for a guy currently recovering from a hamstring injury, which he sustained in a pre-season friendly against Adamson University.
This debut has been a long time coming for the 5-foot-8 spitfire guard. The last time he played in the UAAP was during the Season 82 finals against Ateneo de Manila University.
A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the alleged UST bubble in Sorsogon burst. That then forced him and Deo Cuajao to move to the Taft school.
“Sobrang thankful ako na nakalaro ako ng second game. Thankful din ako kay coach (Derrick) and sa mga teammates ko na tumulong,” said the UAAP Season 82 Rookie of the Year.
“Para to sa aming lahat tong panalo.”
Only time will tell whether or not Nonoy can fulfill his potential as a Green Archer. At the very least, he demonstrated that he has the tools needed to help La Salle win matches as it seeks to return to the Final Four.
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