New playground, same old James Payosing.
Payosing is sticking to what made him a beloved figure at San Beda University as he begins his transfer stint with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
During his days with the Red Lions in the NCAA, the 6-foot-2 forward from Bislig City, Surigao del Sur made a name for himself by simply doing the right things, whether they showed up on the stat sheet or through the intangibles.
His efforts culminated in an NCAA Season 99 championship and a Finals MVP award.
Now, Payosing plans to bring that same mentality to the Fighting Maroons in the highly competitive UAAP landscape.
“Bilang first season ko po, rookie dito sa UAAP, ini-embrace ko lang ‘yung mga games saka opportunity na kapag naglalaro ako, I’ll just be a star player sa role ko kung ano yung matutulong ko sa team, yung energy, basta manalo lang kami,” said Payosing.
“Yung competition almost the same lang (sa NCAA) tapos kailangan lang talaga ‘yung mindset na kung sinong gustong manalo, yun ang mananalo,” he continued.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
In just his second game with UP in the UAAP, Payosing went beyond the intangibles, leading the Fighting Maroons with 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field and 6-of-9 from the free-throw line as they defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 94-75, on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Payosing’s goal in joining the Fighting Maroons was clear from the get-go: win the championship back.
And so far, things have started on the right track, with UP taking an early lead in the standings at 2-0.
“Ini-expect ko talaga dito sa UP ay yung winning culture, manalo ng championship dito. Hindi madali pero naging prepared lang ako simula last year na residency year ko,” he said.
With plenty of weapons in the Fighting Maroons’ arsenal, Payosing wants to stick to the mantra he has carried throughout his career: excel at whatever role his coach asks him to play.
UP will face National University next Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“As a player kasi, yung mindset ko talaga ay nandito ako sa team sports, so kung ano lang yung role ko, basta mabuo yung team namin. Panalo sa isa, panalo sa lahat,” said the former Red Lion.
“Yun lang ang sinasabi ko, magiging star player tayo sa sariling role natin para kapag lima tayo nandiyan sa court, superstar tayo lahat.”
