Former De La Salle University-Zobel Junior Archers Renzo Subido was a highly sought after recruit going into the 77th Season of the UAAP. However, the 5’9 floor general struggled to find minutes under former UST head coach Bong dela Cruz, playing a total of just 70 total minutes in his sophomore year and scoring just eight points.
“Actually nakita ko rin downs ko as a player,” the 20 year old reflected. “I used that as a motivation and a challenge para ma-lift up yung confidence ko.”
First year UST head coach Boy Sablan always found something special in Subido and knew that the junior can deliver in his system.
“Alam kong puputok yun. Nakita ko sa Cebu, nakita ko sa Taiwan,” the mentor remarked about his guard.
“Yung tamang time lang talaga ni Renzo. Nahanap na niya ngayon.”
After his coach requested for him to move to the two-spot in their season debut against Ateneo, the floor general asked to be returned to his natural position in their game against the UE Red Warriors.
“Coach Boy wants me to score. Entering the season, he asked me if I could play two-guard kasi nandyan si Sheriff and Marvin. So he wants me to focus sa scoring ko,” he narrated. “But after the game against Ateneo, I talked to coach Boy if he could put me back at point guard kasi ever since I’ve been playing basketball, I’ve been playing point guard.”
“Lahat ng guwardiya ko, kinausap ko silang apat yesterday,” Sablan added. “Siguro na-motivate ko sila today.”
Subido more than delivered for his mentor, dropping a career-high 26 points that helped UST overcome an early 15 point deficit against the Red Warriors to notch their first win.
“I’m just working hard and being aggressive,” Subido, who scored 20 points in the middle quarters, said. “Hinihintay ko lang lumapit yung game sa akin.”
“Finally, nalaro ko ang true game ko.”
And he was just thankful to have been given the opportunity to shine by Sablan.
“Lahat kami, thankful kay coach Boy kasi he’s giving everybody the confidence to play their game. Sinasabi niya na sige play ka kung anong kaya mo i-contribute,” he closed.
“Very thankful ako sa kanya cause he’s giving me the trust.”
