After a breakout game against National University in his UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament debut, there were expectations that rookie sensation Didat Hanapi would build on his past showing against University of the East.
However, all the pre-game expectations around him were turned upside down. The homegrown Adamsonian only came on in the third quarter, and scored four points in close to nine minutes of action. It was a far cry from his output of 20 points in 30 minutes vs National University in the previous game.
And it’s because of “disciplinary reasons.”
“Ano lang yan, because of ice cream. Ice cream,” explained Adamson coach Nash Racela on Hanapi’s benching amidst the laughter of Jerom Lastimona and Lenda Douanga who were seated beside him.
“It’s a very simple thing. Yesterday was the birthday of our athletic director, si Fr. Aldrin Suan, and he sent food for dinner na may kasamang cake and ice cream. The coaches reminded (the players) that we have a game early the next day and it would be better not to eat ice cream.”
Aside from Hanapi, the likes of Mario Barasi, Ricky Peromingan, Joseph Fuentebella, and Ivan Maata also clocked in limited minutes for the young Adamson squad against UE. Those guys had to watch on from the sidelines as the 11 Soaring Falcons who played in the first half were tremendously good against the Red Warriors.
As the new chief in town, Racela has put it upon himself to impose control on his young players as he seeks to hasten their development. This is one vital lesson for them that should hopefully help them grow in the long term especially as the season and years progress.
“Five of our guys still did get a scoop or two so (it’s) partly discipline actually. We’re teaching them something,” expounded the Season 78 champion mentor.
“Mababaw na bagay dahil sa ice cream. Kumbaga itanong, bakit hindi ginamit nung first half? Dahil sa ice cream. Lima sila that we didn’t use in the first half and it’s just because of a simple ice cream.”
Thankfully, there is still a lot of time for Hanapi and his fellow ice cream enthusiasts to redeem themselves this Season 84. Perhaps, when things are done and dusted, that will be the perfect time for them to indulge in those sweets especially if they achieve something special.
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