University of Perpetual Help is about to embark on a journey that no other Junior Altas squad has ever gone on before–their first NCAA Juniors Basketball Finals.
However, one of the unsung heroes throughout their Cinderella run has been shooter Jan Pagulayan, in his second year of action for the Junior Altas.
In a squad brimming with talent, Pagulayan has found his own niche on the team as a reliable option when his teammates need a quick spark, coming up with a handful of stellar scoring performances throughout Season 99.
Looking back at how far he has come from his days in Tuguegarao, Pagulayan is grateful that his gamble to come to Manila truly paid off in the long run.
“Naglalaro lang po ako doon sa amin sa Tuguegarao City. May isang liga na sinalihan namin na inter-municipality, at may isang coach na nag-recommend sa akin sa Perpetual. Sumugal na ako na pumunta dito kasi malaki daw chance ko,” he recalled.
“Sa awa ng Diyos, nakuha po ako, at hangga’t sa tumagal, nag-improve lang ako hangga’t sa naging ganito na ako ngayon.”
Although, in his penultimate year with Perpetual, he now has the chance to boost his squad to an elusive first-ever title.
But seeing how far they have come from Season 98, Pagulayan remembers the sacrifices they took just to get here, including training during Christmas and New Year.
“Noong last season siguro, kulang talaga kami sa preparation, onti lang time ng practice namin. Ngayong season, gusto lang namin bumawi, pinaghandaan talaga namin ‘to, halos isang taon na rin kami nag training,” the Tuguegaraoeño shared.
Even team captain Amiel Acido has high regard for the Grade 11 standout.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, since shooter niya, always ready lang siya kasi anytime pwede siyang pasahan at may tiwala naman kami sa tira niya,” Acido noted.
Despite having another year left in his eligibility, Pagulayan echoes the same sentiments as his head coach, maintaining that it’s now or never for the Junior Altas, and their only goal is focusing on the golden opportunity they have now.
“Sobrang grateful namin kasi ganito nangyari sa season namin, kaya kasi namin last season pero nagkulang lang. Ginawa po namin para maka-angat lang at mapunta ulit sa Las Piñas [ang championship].”
