By: George Torno
After a long recovery from a left leg ankle that sidelined him for the start of this season, Tony Ynot finally returned to action for College of Saint Benilde, suiting up against Letran in the NCAA Season 101 seniors basketball tournament.
Ynot had missed Benilde’s first two games this season as he continued to nurse the same injury he sustained from a bad landing against Jose Rizal University in Season 100.
His appearance against the Knights marked his first game since that setback, though the star guard is still clearly working his way back into form.
With the Blazers hampered by a flu outbreak that sidelined Allen Liwag and Gab Cometa, head coach Charles Tiu turned to his veteran guard.
“I think just his presence really helps us. His leadership, the energy he gives us. He talks a lot and the guys really respect him. So it’s a big plus for us that he’s there,” Tiu said, remaining optimistic about Ynot’s full recovery.
Tiu admitted that he originally planned to ease Ynot back slowly, limiting him to 10–15 minutes, but circumstances forced him to extend the Cebuano’s playing time.
In his return, Ynot, who was drafted by Converge in the 2025 PBA Draft, logged 16 minutes, tallying five assists and four rebounds. More than the numbers, his presence stabilized Benilde, helping the Blazers secure a 95-80 win over the Letran Knights.
“We had no choice because (Ian) Torres got ejected, Cometa’s sick, and even (Jericho) Jalalon and our other point guards were also out. I only had Anchieta left. That’s why I needed Tony to play a bit more,” Tiu explained.
“But not bad for his first game. I know he couldn’t shoot, but it will come.”
Last season, Ynot was one of the pillars of Benilde’s campaign, averaging 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, which earned him a spot on the Mythical Team.
His all-around play and leadership were key in the Blazers’ Finals run, making his return an important boost for a squad still searching for consistency early in the season.
With one of their cornerstones back in the lineup, Tiu emphasized that the focus now is on recovery and keeping Ynot healthy for the long grind ahead.
Benilde’s next test comes against Jose Rizal University on Sunday, October 12, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre — the same team Ynot was facing when he suffered his injury last season.
“He made some big plays, some very nice assists. I think that was really big for us,” Tiu said.
“I hope he can just continue to stay in shape.”
