The future is now
Last season, Reymar Caduyac was slowly plugged into the rotation of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, playing an average of 19.6 minutes per contest (fourth highest in the team).
“We try to give him as many games just to prepare him, just to sharpen him; more or less the experience will help him,” coach Topex Robinson said a year ago.
Dubbed as part of the future of the Lyceum program, the sophomore is proving his mentor right, as he has become a vital cog in the Pirates’ strong start, posting norms of 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in two games.
“Nagpapasalamat talaga ako kay coach kasi simula ng dumating ako sa Lyceum, dalawang taon ako nag-Team B,” reflected the 19-year-old guard.
“Kaya si coach Topex, sabi mag tiyaga lang ako, at sabi niya bibigyan niya rin ako ng time.”
And in Lyceum’s biggest game of the tournament so far, Caduyac shone, tallying 16 points, three rebounds, and seven assists against the defending champions San Beda Red Lions.
He completed back-to-back lay-ups in the crucial moments of the game giving Lyceum a six-point lead with 1:03 left in the contest that helped the Pirates take a 96-91 win.
“Yung nasa isip ko kasi nun, yung bola gusto ibigay sa akin ni coach kaya nag take over na rin ako nun. Ma-shoot man o hindi, balik lang sa depensa,” Caduyac reflected about the two daredevil drives he made.
“He’s really been helping us. Deceiving kasi. Mukhang big man yan pero gwardya yan,” Robinson quipped.
“He’s just confident. The trust is there.”
After a solid win over the Red Lions, the Bukidnon native believes that this batch of Pirates can lead Lyceum to its first Final Four appearance this year.
“Goal namin ang Final Four,” Caduyac said.
“Saka na ang championship kapag nanalo na kami sa Final Four.”
– BY: Danine Cruz
