Expectations were high for Koji Buenaflor heading into the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
In their final tournament before the season, the 6-foot-7 Bulacan native led University of Santo Tomas to the Asiabasket championship, earning MVP honors along the way.
During the first round, Buenaflor put up steady numbers, averaging 8.43 points and 6.57 rebounds per game, helping the Tiger Cubs finish with a strong 6-1 record.
“Siyempre masaya ako para kay Koji, pero alam naman natin na hindi pa yan yung totoong Koji Buenaflor — at alam din niya yan. Kulang pa. At least, improving naman every game at sana madagdagan pa niya,” said second-year Tiger Cubs head coach Manu Iñigo.
To start the second round, Buenaflor and the Tiger Cubs had a special guest in the stands: their teammate Alfred Loreto, who is still recovering from brain tumor surgery at the start of the tournament.
With one of his closest friends watching, Buenaflor played inspired basketball. He delivered a career-high 23 points on an efficient 11-of-14 shooting, along with six rebounds, to lead UST to a 76-58 victory over De La Salle-Zobel.
And he did it for Alfred.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre, si Alfred, isa din siya sa motivation namin sa season namin. Isa siya sa mga best friend ko sa dorm. Malaking bagay siya na nawala sa amin nung nag-start yung season. Tuwing nandito siya, dagdag motivation,” said the 19-year-old Buenaflor.
Loreto was supposed to be an integral part of UST’s campaign, forming a formidable frontline alongside Buenaflor and Racine Kane.
But with Loreto sidelined, his role shifted — he became the team’s source of inspiration.
“Dedication niya. Lagi kong nakikita yung dedication niya para makalaro, then all of a sudden, hindi siya nakapaglaro. Nasaktan din kami nun kasi naghirap din siya nung preseason tapos bigla lang nawala,” Buenaflor added.
Iñigo and the Tiger Cubs are in no rush to get Loreto back on the court.
More than anything, they are committed to playing for him.
“Wala pang clearance, pero we’re hoping na kahit papaano sa practice makabalik siya. Pero sabi ko nga, mas importante mas maka-recover siya nang maayos,” said Iñigo.
“Hindi naman kami nagmamadali.”
