Canlas, NCAA POW
SA ikalawang pagkakataon na nagkatapat ang nakaraang taong mga finalists na San Beda University at Lyceum, nagningning si rookie James Canlas para sa Red Lions kung kaya siya ang napiling Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Sports Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week.
Pinamunuan ni Canlas ang Red Lions sa kanilang ginawang 75-68 na pagbawi sa Pirates sa ikalawa nolang pagtatagpo sa ginaganap na NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament.
Nagawang sapawan ni Canlas sa nasabing laro ang mga kilalang mga pangalan na gaya nina CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, Mike Nzeusseu, at ang kambal na sina Jaycee at Jayvee Marcelino.
Tumapos si Canlas na may careerhigh 18 puntos, at 6 rebounds.
Ayon kay Canlas, batid nya ang kanyang role bolang baguhan sa koponan at ito’y walang iba kundi tulungan at suportahan ang kanilang mga team leaders.
“At first I was a little bit nervous but once I got to the game I just played good thinking that the game will come to you,” ani Canlas. “As a rookie you have to prove something to everybody and not just be the guy who shows up and does nothing.”
Dahil dito, umani si Canlas ng papuri mula kay San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez at star point guard na si Bolick.
“James will be the future of San Beda and Robert is his teacher,” ani Fernandez.
“I always challenge James because he has a lot of potential,” ayon naman kay Bolick. “He has good potential and I always challenge him because he will still be better when time comes and I know I will leave my school knowing it’s in good hands.”
Inamin naman ni Canlas ang pressure na nararamdaman sa inaasahang performance mula sa kanya nina Bolick at Fernandez.
“I just give it my all and I don’t have to be afraid,” wika ni Canlas. “I just have to be confident.”
Tinalo ng Filipino-Canadian rookie para sa lingguhang citation ang kapwa Red Lion na si Bolick, si Mapua graduating guard Cedric Pelayo, at St. Benilde’s versatile forward Yankie Haruna.
Sa ikapitong weekend ng UAAP Season 81 Seniors Basketball Tournament may naitalang mga record-setting performances ang mga mahuhusay na student-athletes ng liga.