Entering the UAAP Men’s Basketball season, Jon Sheriff was entrusted with a role he was not familiar with.
With Kevin Ferrer, Ed Daquioag, and Karim Abdul graduating from the University of Santo Tomas, Sheriff and co-captain Louie Vigil were tasked to lead a young pack of University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. However, with a team that had only been formed two months before the season, the season-hosts faltered to a 3-11 record, dead last in the league.
“Personally, I did not want to end it with a loss but still I don’t take anything for granted,” the 25-year-old said moments after the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles handed UST a 74-64 loss in their season finale.
“No regrets for me. We did what we could.”
The 5-foot-7 floor general attributed their struggled to the lack of preparation the team had faced, stemming from a tumultuous off-season.
“I think we just had a tough time adjusting because our coach was only named a few months before the season. We had a hard time adjusting to the system,” the Filipino-Canadian lamented.
But for him, the season was also a challenge to himself. A 33 percent shooter from the field and a dismal 49 percent shooter from the charity stripe, there were doubts on whether he could take the leap and lead a young pack.
“This was… even though we did not have a good season, I was able to showcase my talent. Everybody was saying I couldn’t shoot the ball, I was a liability,” he reflected.
With a bigger role in UST’s offense, Sheriff played in all 14 regular season games, raising his norms to 8.9 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 61.5 percent from the free throw line, to go along with 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
“My goal was to prove the critics wrong, to show them that I can shoot, I can play, and I can lead this team,” the 25-year-old admitted.
“I felt like I was able to accomplish that this season.”
And he hopes to continue his growth once he enters the PBA D-League.
“Magpapa-draft na ko sa PBA D-League. I’m going to play two conferences there and, hopefully, ma-draft sa PBA,” he said.
“I’m still going to work hard and keep on grinding.”
Even though his playing days are over, he knows that he is leaving UST in good hands.
“But next year bro, I think they are going to be a lot better. There’s a longer period for them to get ready for the season,” he said with optimism.
