For the last two years, Marvin Lee and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have received quite a few beatings from Aldin Ayo. Ayo’s De La Salle University Green Archers blasted the Growling Tigers by an average margin of 36.25 points in the four games they played.
So when Ayo made the jump from La Salle to UST, Lee made sure to ready himself, as the two-time Collegiate Basketball Coach of the Year is known to make stars out of guards.
“Marvin has improved a lot. Kung may binago man sa kanya, it’s yung approach niya sa laro,” lauded Ayo.
“Kung titinignan niyo si Marvin, call time namin twelve (o’clock) or one. [So] Before mag-start yung regular practice namin, naka-five hundred shots na siya everyday.”
Entering the Growling Tigers’ game against the University of the East Red Warriors last Sunday, their sixth man Renzo Subido was out for the game due to an undisclosed knee injury. And Lee, who was averaging 11.0 points on 21-of-77 shooting from downtown prior to the game, made sure to hit the gas pedal.
The fourth-year guard was on fire during the game, dropping a career-high 30 points built on eight triples.
Subido, who was watching on the sidelines, was the happiest that his backcourt-mate had finally broken out.
“Si Marvin, I’ve known him since high school and I know na marami siyang magagawa inside the court. Sa game niya ngayon, ‘di na ako nagulat kasi alam ko kaya niyang gawin yun’,” shared Subido, who himself has been averaging 15.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 9 games.
“Yun na yung tawagan. Splash bro.”
And the Thomasians could not help but compare the two to beloved UST backcourt Jeric Fortuna and Clark Bautista.
Marvin Lee – Renzo Subido tandem is the new version of Jeric Fortuna – Tata Bautista tandem.
CJ Cansino is the reincarnation of Kevin Ferrer.
Version nalang ni Kharim Abdul in the persona of Soulemane CHABI YO!
All set na to next year to make a monster run! #GoUSTe
— Ehm_Jhey (@SirMeckyMouse) October 28, 2018
Though he is hoping for the best regarding his Splash Brother’s status, Lee vows to step up if needed, as the Growling Tigers are gunning for the last Final Four slot.
“Lahat naman kami affected kasi isa siya sa mga scoring player namin,” lamented Lee, a former FEU Baby Tamaraws.
“Biglang sabi ni coach sa amin na sana may mag-step up, parang lahat kami, iyon ‘yung iniisip namin.”
