Last Thursday, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals played their second-ever NCAA-sanctioned game on their home floor. Besides that, a familiar face was making his debut on the sidelines for the Generals.
Sidney Onwubere — who, with Howard Mojica, are the faces of EAC’s sporting program — made his debut as part of Ariel Sison’s staff.
Prior to this, the 23-year-old has been helping out with the team’s preparations heading into the season if time allows.
“First ko today. Nasama ako dito sa coach staff nila para support sa kanila. Kuya kasi nila ako e,” said the eighth overall pick in the 2017 PBA Draft.
“‘Pag wala kaming practice sa Rain or Shine, puwede ako pumunta. Pero I’m doing my part naman para sa EAC.”
Onwubere, who averaged 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game in his final season, shared that his teammates were surprised when he first joined the team’s practice last May.
“Sila na-awkward para sa kanila pero happy naman sila kasi nagkasama-sama kami muli.”
But his first game on the bench turned out to be a heartbreaker as the Generals fell to the Perpetual Altas, 74-76 — their third loss of the season.
During the see-saw affair, Onwubere could be seen jumping out of his chair, cheering wildly for his squad.
“Nakakagigil e. Sarap maglaro at tulungan sila kanina. Gusto kong maglaro,” the 6-foot-4 utility forward quipped.
In the three games they played, EAC only lost by a thin margin of 5.7 points per game. And the former General could not help but commend the gallant stands EAC has been putting up so far.
“Nagulat ako sa kanila. Kasi yung game nila against Lyceum, Arellano, tapos ngayon lahat dikit. Very happy ako sa effort na pinapakita nila.
“Yung mga bata last year laki ng inimprove like sila Jethro [Mendoza] pati yung mga rookies like Maui [Cruz]. Nakakatulong sila sa mga veterans namin tulad nila [Hamadou] Laminou at Jerome [Garcia],” Onwubere beamed.
And he cannot wait for the time when the Generals’ brave stands result in a win.
