Melvin Tailan has emerged as a pivotal force in De La Salle Zonel’s promising 2-0 start to the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament.
In a standout performance to open the season, he poured in 27 points to lead DLSZ to a victory over the NSNU Bullpups – their first win against the Bullpups since February 26, 2015.
Not resting on his laurels, the 5-foot-9 guard replicated that effort, scoring another 27 points in the Junior Archers’ dominant win against Adamson on Wednesday.
“Yung kumpyansa ko, compared to last season, mas lalo ko pa inangat…. Mas marami nawala sa team namin this year, kaya kinompose ko talaga yung sarili ko sa games namin,” Tailan shared.
Unlike his predecessors, who played in the traditional UAAP Boys’ Basketball Tournament, Tailan is charting a new course as part of the 16-under division.
Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, his journey has been one of gratitude and opportunity.
After graduating elementary from Blue Danube School in San Pablo City, Laguna, in 2021, Tailan went to DLSZ.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Bata pa lang ako, PBA na talaga gusto ko. Hindi ko akalain na makakalaro ako sa UAAP kasi nag-pandemic,” the San Pablo native said.
“Parang yung pandemic pa nakatulong sa akin para makapunta sa UAAP, at buti na lang kinuha ako ng Zobel.”
However, Tailan knows that the path to his dream of playing in the PBA is filled with challenges.
His first step is embracing an enhanced leadership role as DLSZ’s team captain.
Although he has taken on these responsibilities, Tailan is quick to acknowledge the support of co-captain Vince Magan, whose presence has lightened the leadership load.
“Ginagawa ko naman yung best namin at meron pa naman kami isang natira rin, si Vince Magan, isa rin sa scorers namin last season. Laking tulong din ni Vince, hindi lang sa opensa, kundi pati na rin sa pagtulong sa’kin maging leader,” he said.
With Tailan’s growing confidence, production, and leadership for a revamped Junior Archers squad, head coach Penny Laureaga has been impressed with his progress.
Laureaga’s decision to include Tailan in DLSZ’s UAAP U-19 lineup seems a natural next step in the young guard’s evolution.
“Tailan is part din ng under-19 team namin. Ang laki ng pinagbago ng attitude at laro niya from last year to this year. Na-cover niya yung nawala na production ni Ken (Atienza),” said Laureaga, acknowledging Tailan’s transformation and his ability to fill the gap left by his ace last season Atienza.
With their sights set on maintaining their winning streak, Tailan and the Junior Archers will face Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at the Adamson University Gym.
