JD Cagulangan, the University of the Philippines basketball hero, has missed the first two games of UAAP Season 85 due to a muscle strain.
But all is good in Diliman since Terrence Fortea is ably stepping up in lieu of their floor general.
The 6-foot-1 guard acts as more of a scoring guard, but easily transitioned to becoming more of a facilitator during UP’s first two games – both resulting in wins.
“Terrence is really picking up naman since before na mag-start,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde after their 87-78 win over Adamson University on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena.
“Last season was a big adjustment for him kasi for that position. But this season, I think unti-unti, siguro habang wala si Maimai (JD Cagulangan), nabibigyan siya ng time at nag-iimprove siya.”
“Maimai facilitates and gets the ball moving. We miss him a lot but we have guys stepping up,” said UP cog Zavier Lucero.
Fortea got the starting spot at the one position and he has been doing a good job.
In their first game against De La Salle University, he had a near double-double with 15 points and nine assists. Then he followed it up with 12 points and five assists against the Soaring Falcons.
“Terrence played well today. Our point guards, they’re coming from playing different positions. So the fact that they’re in there and stepping up to the task means a lot for our team,” added Lucero, who had 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in the victory.
And as long as Cagulangan is still recovering from his injury, he can feel no pressure at all as Fortea is taking care of his job.
When Cagulangan comes back, Monteverde floated the possibility of the two playing together interchangeably.
“Hopefully, pagbalik ni Maimai, at least puwede silang magsabay.”
