Despite missing the first eight games of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Terrence Fortea showed no rust.
The 22-year-old spitfire guard scored seven points in just 10 minutes and 37 seconds of action on the floor in UP’s 65-60 win over Ateneo de Manila University.
It was an impressive performance, considering it was Fortea’s first taste of competitive basketball since Game Three of the Season 85 Finals, where he suffered an undisclosed leg injury.
“First shot ko free throw,” the third-year Maroon shared. “Kinakabahan din ako nun. Actually, first game ko rin ito. First, as in, di pa ako nakakapag-scrimmage sa trainings. Masaya lang na sa ilang minutes, naka contribute ako.
“Masaya ako dahil yung huling laro ko dito eh – Game Three and natalo kami. Same bench pero different lineup. Masaya ako personally kasi pagbalik ko, may chance akong (makalaro ulit). Di naman siya personally makabawi sa Ateneo, pero makapaglaro ulit dito sa Ateneo-UP.”
When Goldwin Monteverde brought in Fortea in the last minute of the first quarter, there were loud cheers from the UP gallery at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The former Batang Gilas standout did not look out of place among the Maroon five on the court.
It was as if his return was predetermined, except that it was not the case.
“Actually, hindi dapat talaga,” he said. “Pero siguro sa S&C ko (Chappy Callanta and Julius Sinon) rin, maganda yung progress na nangyari sa mga past days. Ayun, kaya nagka-clearance ako sa S&C ko.
“Binabagayan ko lang yung team and yung mga teammates ko dahil matagal akong nawala. Kailangan ko lang siguro gawin yung ginagawa nila sa training at sa games.”
There were over 17,000 supporters from UP and Ateneo who watched the game inside the legendary Quezon City venue. While the atmosphere may intimidate others, Fortea just took it in stride.
It made him happier to return during this specific game.
“Siguro pakiramdam ko pag naririnig ko yung both crowds ay excitement eh. Alam naman natin UAAP. Alam naman natin yung crowd,” said Fortea.
“Yung paligid niyan sobrang grabe. Masaya lang ako na nakuha namin yung panalo and pag nakakarinig ako ng ganung ano, tumataas yung morale ko.”
While the UAAP will be on break this Wednesday because it is All Saints’ Day, there shall be no rest for the weary as teams will still find a way to prepare for this weekend’s games.
UP will take on De La Salle University in the marquee matchup this Sunday. It remains to be seen if Fortea will feature in that game, but he will stay ready for when he will be called upon.
“Excited and inaano ko lang sarili ko na stay present. Siguro balik muna kami sa training. Alamin namin lahat ng mga in and outs para makuha yung panalo.”
