The De La Salle Green Archers enjoyed a dream start to their UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball Tournament campaign as they defeated defending champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws 83-78 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Ben Mbala scored 13 points and 23 rebounds and Jeron Teng produced 28 points to help the Green Archers squeak past the Tamaraws. In addition, rookie guard Aljun Melecio also caught the eye with 10 points and 2 steals, mostly coming in La Salle’s second quarter surge..
The De La Salle Zobel product, who was awarded the Season 78 Most Valuable Award in the Juniors Division, showed maturity in his game as one of the key players in coach Aldin Ayo’s rotation.
“Compared to high school mas masaya siya kasi maraming supporters and maraming fans. Parang every time naka-deliver ka ng magandang play sa game, mas magigiing motivated ka pa gumawa ng mas maganda,” said Melecio after the game.
Melecio narrated that he had been given advice by Ayo and fifth-year teammate Thomas Torres that led up to this moment.
“Actually last night may pinapanood kami ni coach Aldin,” the 5’8 guard reflected. “Kaming dalawa lang sa kitchen. Nanood kaming video ni Mark Cruz, kung pano siya gumalaw, pano siya gumawa ng ball screen on top.”
Still, though, Melecio felt rookie jitters. That’s where Thomas Torres came in.
“Before the game nung nag-usap kami ni Thomas Torres. Tinanong niya ako una, ‘Pressured ka ba?’ Sabi ko, ‘Oo pressured ako.’ Sabi niya, ‘Pare rookie ka. Ganito yan. Magkamali ka sasabihin nila okay lang yan, rookie yan eh. Pero kung may ginawa kang maganda, magaling naman kahit rookie pa.’ ‘Win-win situation yan pare wag kang kabahan.'”
It ended up being a good day for Melecio, as he was integral to the Green Archers’ win. He gave Ayo extra credit as they have worked with each other way back before they reunited in Taft.
“Super blessed ako na dati pa kami nag meet ni coach Aldin kasi until now binibigyan niya ako ng kumpyansa mapakita ang laro ko kahit sa college division na rookie pa ako,” the 18 year old gunslinger said.
The point guard then noted that his mentor has been a huge help in boosting his confidence.
“Mahilig siya mag-take ng risk. Hindi siya natakot. Kung yan yung ginawa mo, panindigan mo na,” the former Zobel standout said.
Ayo stated that he wishes Melecio will remain consistent and that he won’t rest on his laurels. Melecio still has a long way to go, but he sure started in the best way possible.
