Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Will Gozum makes up for lost time with Nueva Ecija


It has been well-documented that Will Gozum only played sparingly during his two-year stint with University of the Philippines.

During his rookie year, the product of Mapua only played 4.2 minutes per game, totaling just 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Things did not get any better in his sophomore year, though, as he played in just three games. Gozum logged just six minutes and 54 seconds.

But the 22-year-old is not blaming UP for it, acknowledging that he had shortcomings as well.

Filoil-2018-Gilas-Cadets-vs.-UP-Gozum-6817 Will Gozum makes up for lost time with Nueva Ecija Basketball CSB MPBL News  - philippine sports news

“Nasa akin din yun kasi hindi ako nag-hard work nun,” lamented Gozum, who transferred to College of Saint Benilde last year. “Kaya during the off-season, nagtrabaho ako.

“Good experience din ito for the coming NCAA.”

For more mileage in Gozum’s legs, Carlo Tan – an assistant coach for CSB – decided to field the 6-foot-4 stretch forward in his Chooks-to-Go MPBL team Nueva Ecija, a team owned by Mayor Rianne Cuevas.

But in plugging Gozum there, it also brought pressure to his ward as the Rice Vanguards, especially Roi Sumang, are out to win the championship. Anything less would be considered as a disappointment.

“He hasn’t played for a very long time and then for him to come in for a very important tournament, it’s hard,” said Tan. “Roi wants to win a championship and it’s hard for a player like Will.

“But he is doing what he can to deliver for them.”

It’s been so far, so good for Gozum.

In four games played so far, Gozum has been averaging 16.3 minutes, norming 11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.

#ReadMore  Who is Juan GDL's next head coach Hugo Lopez?

Besides the minutes, Gozum is also relishing getting to learn from the likes of Michael Mabulac and Bobby Balucanag – both of whom have experienced it all in basketball.

2021-Chooks-MPBL-Val-City-vs-Nueva-Ecija-Will-Gozum Will Gozum makes up for lost time with Nueva Ecija Basketball CSB MPBL News  - philippine sports news

“Advantage kasi may mga kuya ako na nagtuturo sa akin. Inaapply ko lang mga tinuturo nila sa akin.”

Tan and Gozum hope that they can get more games as the MPBL tournament heads into its knockout stage.

First up for the Rice Vanguards come the Iloilo United Royals at 10:00 PM on Tuesday.

A win will give Gozum more experience under his belt.

“Will’s got so much potential. Ang dami niyang upside,” remarked Tan. “In Nueva, we are looking to teach him everything we can. We are hoping that it will happen for him.

“We are here to coach him and I wish I can help them reach kung ano yung gusto nilang maabot.”

Written By


You May Also Like

AdU

De La Salle University completed a clean sweep of the elimination round, while defending UAAP champion University of the Philippines wrapped up with back-to-back...

Basketball

De La Salle University erupted for a scorching third quarter to keep its unbeaten streak alive, while National University locked in the final UAAP...

AU

Letran leaned on a second-half surge to end Benilde’s perfect run in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile...

Basketball

Chicco Briones celebrated his 23rd birthday in style, exploding for 21 points to lead University of the Philippines past Far Eastern University, 75–65, and...

Basketball

Far Eastern University continued its strong start in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, handing University of...

Basketball

Gerry Abadiano came alive in the fourth quarter to lift University of the Philippines to an 82–74 win over National University in the opening...

AU

Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas kicked off their campaigns in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC...

AdU

De La Salle University flexed its depth in a dominant 65-47 victory over Adamson University to open the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason...

Advertisement