The comeback is real for Ry De La Rosa.
Jose Rizal University created some noise this week by securing two consecutive wins, bringing them to an 8-4 win-loss record, which is good for third place in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament—all thanks to the timely resurgence of the returning De La Rosa.
The graduating team captain, who had missed several games since the opening day on September 24, made his mark by averaging 10.67 points and 2.0 rebounds in their last three games, meaningful statistics that were enough to earn him the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week honors.
The senior guard was on target in JRU’s last two games, hitting six three-pointers for a 19-point performance in their 79-72 victory over San Sebastian last Friday before adding three more clutch long-range shots and finishing with 12 points to defeat the feisty Arellano, 79-74, on Sunday.
These performances undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Heavy Bombers’ Final Four bid, as they currently sit behind the top-seeded Mapua Cardinals (9-2) and Lyceum (8-3), while being ahead of the erstwhile second-seeded San Beda (7-4).
For his outstanding scoring outputs, De La Rosa outperformed Lyceum’s Greg Cunanan, Arellano’s Jade Talampas, and Benilde’s Migs Oczon to claim the weekly honors presented by San Miguel Corporation and supported by minor sports Discovery Suites and Jockey.
“Definitely getting there for sure, I just have to continue putting in extra work. My teammates and coaches aren’t pressuring me to rush my return, and I’m grateful that it’s showing. I’m very thankful to be in this position,” said the 24-year-old shooter.
“I’m glad I’m playing with this group; these guys know how to support each other. They understand that the only way to win is to rely on one another, and that’s our philosophy, to continue showing the brotherhood we have.”
De La Rosa had a quiet first-round stint after suffering a head injury in the season opener against the reigning champion Letran. It also didn’t help that he fell ill a few days later, which forced him to sit out JRU’s next seven games, returning only on October 21.
With De La Rosa back in the fold, JRU’s chances of making it to the Final Four for the first time since 2017 have received a significant boost.
However, head coach Louie Gonzalez reminded his players that there is no room for complacency in their team.
“We really rely on each other and again, si Ry is just a byproduct na lang siya nung itinatakbo namin,” Gonzalez said.
“Pero gusto ko lang i-remind sila na itong kumpiyansa na nakuha namin, lahat ’to mapupunta into waste kung hindi namin aalagaan.”
