After the San Beda Red Lions’ win against the San Sebastian Golden Stags on Friday night, head coach Boyet Fernandez was infuriated after a sequence in the game that drew comparisons to Robert Bolick’s ejection just 10 days ago.
With 3:33 left in the first quarter, Calisaan was initially called for a disqualifying foul after seemingly hitting Javee Mocon’s face with his right forearm in a battle for rebound.
“I told him [Michael Calisaan], ‘Hey you’re a good player but don’t be dirty, just play your game'” shared Fernandez during the post game.
“He’s really good. He has a good future in Philippine basketball. Physical lang, sana huwag lang dirty,”
Fernandez can’t help but compare Calisaan’s situation to Bolick’s unfortunate throwing out 10 days ago against the CSB Blazers.
“These guys are the future e. So take care of the players. Kung talagang thrown out, thrown out,” he asserted.
Upon hearing this, Calisaan — who is in his fourth year of duty with San Sebastian — stated that he had meant no malice during that said play.
“Sabi ko bakit ganun sila kainit sa akin, eh ganoon ako mag-laro eh. Nag-box out lang naman ako eh,” pointed out Calisaan, who finished the game with a game-high 23 points.
But upon the officials’ review, it was downgraded to an unsportsmanlike foul, keeping him on the playing court.
“Buti na lang may review, kung wala baka natapon nanaman ako. Nagpapasalamat ako na may chance pa ako makapag-laro at makatulong sa team namin,” the 22-year-old shared.
In the run of NCAA Season 93, Calisaan has unfortunately developed a reputation for being a rough player.
He had been thrown out exactly a month ago when San Sebastian faced the EAC Generals and was called for a number of unsportsmanlike fouls in the following games.
But after another close call of being thrown out against San Beda, he wanted to make something clear about his game.
“Kung siguro po sa tingin nila dirty player ako, lilinawin ko lang po, hindi po ako dirty player. Go hard lang po ako palagi, no easy basket lang,” the 6-foot-4 expressed. “Yun nga po ang tingin sa akin eh [dirty player], pati mga referee. Ang dami ko na pong technical [fouls]. Every game yata may technical ako!
“Pero sa akin kasi wala akong intensyon manakit eh. Go hard lang po ako palagi, no easy basket lang.”
By: Danine Cruz
