From being back up to Bright Akhuetie, Prince Eze has showed this season that he too is an elite big man. And no one was more proud to see this than former University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas Scottie Thompson.
Thompson, who played with Akhuetie and Eze during the NCAA Season 91 Seniors Basketball Tournament, was in attendance for the Final Four game between the Altas and the San Beda Red Lions last Tuesday. Moreover, the now-three year pro has always made sure to keep tabs on his alma mater.
And he could not help but lament another exit by the team at the hands of the Red Lions.
“Sayang lang talaga. Feeling ko naman talaga kaya nilang mag-Finals. Nagkakataon lang talaga na San Beda ang kalaban,” rued Thompson, who himself had been booted out of the Final Four by San Beda thrice during his five-year stay in Perpetual.
“Kahit nung time ko pa San Beda kami lagi.”
But one of the high points for Perpetual, according to Thompson, is the development of Eze.
During his rookie year back in Season 91, Eze always played behind two-time All-NCAA team member Akhuetie. But when Akhuetie left after Season 92, the 6-foot-10 Nigerian easily embraced the role of the team’s ace big man.
And in his final year, Eze posted norms of 15.3 points, 16.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game to tow the Altas to the Final Four after they missed out last year. Moreover, he also made a strong case to be this season’s Most Valuable Player.
Thompson has noticed that is is not only Eze’s game that has improved, but his character as well.
“I think kita naman yung maturity niya sa game. Alam na alam niya kung saan siya pupwesto at kailan siya titira. Nandoon na rin yung leadership niya. Napansin ko dati, mainitin ang ulo niya sa teammates niya, ngayon wala na.
“I think credit also to coach Frankie Lim. Ang galing ng pagka-disiplina niya kay Prince kaya nag-benefit talaga ang team,” said Thompson.
The native of Davao is elated that Eze has a strong chance to bring back the MVP plum back to Las Piñas, saying that he deserves it.
“Malaking bagay si Prince and at the same time, I’m proud kasi from Perpetual ulit,” expressed Thompson, who was the NCAA Season 90 Seniors Basketball Most Valuable Player.
“I’m sure happy yung community namin. Sayang lang hindi nakapag-Finals.”
