AP Manlapaz may have been the recipient of some jokes during the Adamson University Soaring Falcons’ post-game presser after their win over the NU Bulldogs, but his game was no laughing matter.
In close to 15 minutes of action, the rookie chipped in in 14 points alongside four rebounds and had an efficiency rating of +14. Small wonder why his mentor, Franz Pumaren, wants him to be more consistent, since the kid definitely has a high ceiling.
“Ito, walang hiya ‘to eh. Parang weather ‘to eh — you don’t know when it will rain eh.
“He played well sa UP (in the first round), then the guessing game again if he can play this good. But anyway, seriously speaking, probably among my players he’s the best athlete eh. He just doesn’t realize it,” explained the 55-year-old coach.
The former Baby Falcon was reportedly a pivotal recruit when Pumaren’s team secured his commitment in the off-season. The 18-year-old even attracted some attention and pressure onto himself when he achieved a feat only few others have — a slam on Kai Sotto.
“Pagdating ko ng Adamson, 2017, rookie ako ng Baby Falcons. Sa PCABL. Nung una kasi, first time ko lang din siyang makalaban noon. Parang na-starstruck din kasi ako kasi sobrang tangkad niya tapos halos hanggang dibdib niya lang ako. Kasi dun sa larong ‘yun, ‘di ko na alam gagawin ko pagpasa ni Joem (Sabandal) sa ’kin. Puro naba-block lahat ng duma-drive sa harap niya,” he recalled.
“Tapos ‘yun, pagbigay ni Joem sa ‘kin… ‘Di ko alam. Basta tumalon na lang ako tapos na-dunk ko.”
With a highlight like that in his young career, it is no surprise that Pumaren expects big things from his ward. Still, for the decorated mentor, all he wants is for Manlapaz to fulfill destiny under the bright lights of the UAAP.
“If he will play his full potential, he can really help this team.
“He can out-jump anybody, he’s smart enough, but sometimes just like a lawyer, maraming rason ‘to eh. He just have to focus and really make sure that the bench we need them for us to be successful [sic],” shared the five-time collegiate champion mentor.
On the player’s part, Manlapaz knows the challenges ahead of him if he wants to become the player that he and his coaches know he can be. He also understands that one or two good games won’t matter since the elite are consistently good, day in and day out.
“Sa tingin ko, tama din naman ‘yung sinasabi ni coach. Kailangan ko lang talagang maniwala sa sarili ko na kaya kong gawin ‘yung sinasabi nila tsaka ‘yung mga pinapagawa nila sa ’kin.”
Manlapaz knows that he has a lot to do before he can truly be a star for the Soaring Falcons, like Sean Manganti and Alex Nuyles before him. It is all about getting better each training session and each game.
“Gusto ko pang i-improve lalo ‘yung shooting ko kasi ‘di pa rin ako consistent outside. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto ko talagang i-improve,” said the 6-foot-2 forward. “Parang inisip ko lang talaga na pagdating ng season, gusto ko lang makatulong. Kahit sa small things lang, makatulong man lang ako sa effort.
“Gusto ko lang bigyan ng effort ‘yung laro ko.”
And with the quest to enter the Final Four in full swing, there’s no better time for Manlapaz to show off his skills. A return to the post-season is imperative for the Soaring Falcons, but they need all hands on deck to get there.
“Parang ngayon, gusto talaga naming talunin lahat ng coming games namin. Sa ngayon, may four games pa kami, pero kukunin namin ‘yun one game at a time kasi ngayon tagilid pa kami sa standings. Kaya gusto talaga namin maglaro talaga.”
