Currently in the process of embarking on Taft Avenue in his first – and potentially last – season with College of Saint Benilde, Tony Ynot aims to assist the Blazers in returning to the promised land in NCAA Season 100.
The 6-foot-1 guard out of Misamis Occidental transferred from San Beda University, where he was part of the championship teams during the Red Cubs dynasty in his junior years.
However, after two years of playing for the Red Lions, Ynot along with fellow Bedan, Justine Sanchez, moved to Benilde.
In their 86-80 victory over José Rizal University, Ynot posted a game-high 24 points while shooting 50-percent from beyond the arc en route to their third win at the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.
So far, Ynot attests to learning a lot under head coach Charles Tiu. He hopes that their mix of veterans and star transferees will eventually translate into a title for the Blazers.
“Marami akong natutunan dito sa CSB, kasi ‘yung tiwala sa amin binigay ni coach, lalo na kay [Allen] Liwag. Binalik ko lang sa kanya ‘yung tiwala niya,” he shared.
However, the pressure is definitely on for Benilde after failing to make the Finals last season, having previously been within one game of the crown in Season 98.
“Talagang pressure siya, kasi maraming nag-eexpect sa amin na kaya naming mag-champion this coming Season 100. Ibibigay ko lang ‘yung best ko,” he said.
When asked about his future career plans, he quipped about leaving it all up to coach Charles.
“Siguro, this is my last season sa Season 100, kasi gusto ko na mag-pro. ‘Di ko lang alam kung may plano pa si Coach Charles para sa akin,” Ynot concluded.
