Frankie Lim is known for making the most out of his big men. And Prince Eze is flourishing because of it.
Last season, Nigerian student-athlete Eze posted outstanding norms of 15.3 points, 16.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Most Valuable Player-type of numbers, right?
However, under Nosa Omorogbe, the Perpetual Altas struggled all season long – picking up just four wins in 18 tries.
And the 21-year-old big man could not help but lament Season 93 as a season prior, they had been in the Final Four.
“Last year, our coach is just a joke man. Our coach is not pushing us. He’s just there,” Eze rued.
This time around, Eze and the Altas are more motivated than ever under the guidance of Lim.
“He tried to make us know all of our mistakes last season. We lose one point because of free throws, now I work on my free throws, I shoot 100 free throws per day,” reflected Eze after Perpetual lost their opening game against the San Beda Red Lions last July 7. “Every practice, he reminds me to shoot more free throws, work on my hook shots.
“He reminds me, sometimes I’m gonna play good but we’ll still lose.”
Lim’s trust for Eze showed during their road game against the EAC Generals, Thursday evening.
The 6-foot-10 tower flirted with a triple-double, finishing the game with 15 points, 22 rebounds, and nine blocks to lift Perpetual past EAC, 76-74.
Prior to the game, Lim had challenged Eze to do great things.
“I challenged him. Before the game, sabi ko, Hamadou Laminou has an average of 24 points per game going into this game. Sabi ko, limit him to 10 points, maybe 15 and that will be your job. Nag-respond naman,” Lim shared as Laminou was held down to just 12 points.
“Sabi ko sa kanya 25 [rebounds] e. He was three short,” quipped Lim.
For his Herculean effort, Eze – who is posting norms of 11.7 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 6.4 blocks this season – got a day pass from Lim for tomorrow’s practice.
“Now coach Frankie always talk to us. If you don’t feel good, he asks you to stay back, like today, he asked me not to practice tomorrow.”
It is this relationship with his players that has led Frankie Lim to steer them to a 2-1 record – so far.
