Lyceum guard Ian Alban has been on a tear.
Barely getting minutes in the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates’ first three games, the 20 year old transferee has emerged, leading Lyceum to two straight wins.
During that run, Alban has posted norms of 20 points per game on a highly-efficient 75 percent shooting clip, 15-for-20 from the field. More importantly, Lyceum is currently 2-3 in the standings, good for sixth in the tight Final Four race.
The Batangas-native admitted that his coaches, ever since his transfer, has asked him not to adjust his style of play once he suited up for the school’s Team A.
“Always lang ako ni-reremind ni coach na mag-step up ako kahit rookie lang daw ako,” the 6’0 floor general said.
“Huwag kong isipin na rookie lang ako, kung ano yung laro ko laruin ko. Nung pagdating ko sa Lyceum binigyan nila ako kaagad ng kumpyansa.”
During the Lyceum-Saint Benilde match-up Thursday afternoon, there were a couple of interesting observers in the stands.
On one side was Benilde alumni and Racal Tile Master Jonathan Grey. On the other, the 2016 PBA Commissioners Cup Finals MVP, Rain or Shine Elasto Painter Paul Lee.
Rain or Shine’s Paul Lee was watching from the stands cheering on Ian Alban and the Lyceum Pirates
Lee was a guest of fellow Tondo-resident Alban.
“Actually, mentor [ko siya]. Taga-Tondo kami parehas,” Alban shared. “Nung nag-varsity ako tapos nakilala ko siya, talagang mino-motivate niya ako.”
Alban then recounted the day he met the Leethal Weapon.
“Hindi naman talaga kami magkakilala [dati] e. Sobrang bait lang talaga niya,” he shared. “Nasama lang ako sa isang lakad ng mga kaibigan ko na kasama siya. After a year siguro, nakita ko siya sa Robinson’s. Hindi ko siya pinansin kasi nahiya ako pero binati niya ako.”
“Sobrang down to earth niya kahit sobrang sikat niya.”
From that point, the two have shared a bond. “Nung new year nga binigyan niya ko ng dalawang sapatos, Kobe IX at running shoes. Talagang thankful lang talaga ako kay kuya Paul,” he continued.
After the Lyceum guard got the nod from Lyceum’s coaching staff a week ago, Alban wanted Lee to watch him during his team’s tilt against the Heavy Bombers. Unfortunately, time did not permit the former national team player to do so.
“Actually nung game ko sa JRU, tinext ko siya kaso may laro siya sa PBA. Ayun, maganda nga nilaro, tinext ko siya agad na manood siya kanina,” he said.
Adrian Alban scored 19 points in just 18 minutes of action, going 7-for-10 from the field
However, doubts set in for Alban as to whether he could replicate the output he produced against the Heavy Bombers.
“Buti na lang nakarating siya. Nung nakita ko siya kanina, sabi ko sa sarili ko kelangan makita niya yung ginawa ko sa JRU.”
“Thankful naman ako na nagawa ko at hindi nasayang yung pagpunta niya,” he gratefully said.
Lee, on the other hand, continuously reminds the 20 year old to work hard and to prove that Tondo can produce great basketball players.
“Sabi niya lagi sa akin na mag-work hard ako. Pakita ko na may mga magagaling mag-basketball sa Tondo.”
