Expectations were high for College of Saint Benilde as it entered Season 99, coming off its first finals appearance in 20 years in the NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament and retaining a majority of its championship-caliber core.
In the midst of these high expectations was the Blazer’s Will Gozum, whom many fans expected to build on his MVP year.
In that season, he averaged 16.73 points and 9.41 rebounds on an uber-efficient 53.14-percent shooting from the field. And his performances led Benilde to a 14-4 record.
However, this year, the statistics indicate that Gozum has regressed. He is averaging just 10.67 points and 6.44 rebounds on 43.02-percent shooting from the field.
When asked about the drop in numbers, Gozum shared that it resulted from a shift in priorities between seasons 98 and 99.
While Gozum looked to score and dominate for the Blazers last season, this year he is focusing more on creating for the rest of the squad, which is loaded with other weapons.
“My goal this season is not on scoring, because the coaches, they really want me to play three and four. So ayun lang sa akin, hindi ako naghahanap ng points ko na dahil we’re a deep team. Nandun naman si [Migs] Oczon, si [Miggy] Corteza, and coming sa last season ko and now, yung assists ko mas dumami eh,” shared Gozum.
For Gozum, the statistical decline is not a result of a regression in his game. Instead, it is a by-product of his evolution into a brand new position set for him by the coaching staff as Gozum prepares himself for his leap into the pro leagues.
“Yeah, yung mga coaches, talagang tinatransition nila ako maging small forward, and im happy kasi ayun talaga yung gusto ko. Ayun yung way na tumagal ka sa pro. Mabilis ka para sa big, malaki ka para sa guard,” said the 6-foot-4 swingman.
To some extent, the numbers do support Gozum’s assertion that playmaking has been a significant focus for him this season. He has nearly doubled his assist numbers from last season, increasing from 1.66 assists per game to 2.78 assists per game.
However, having played as a big throughout his entire career, Gozum admits that there continue to be growing pains in his adjustment to this brand new role.
“Yun yung mahirap adjusting. Last season talagang points ako eh, kasi nandiyan sina JC [Cullar] and si [Jimboy] Pasturan, but now trying to create para sa ibang teammates ko na rin. Kasi gusto ko yung team ko na talagang manalo and yung mga teammates ko na mas mag-shine din,” he explained.
For the Blazers, they hope Gozum gets the hang of his new role soon as they make a push for the Final Four.
