James Kwekuteye is slowly embracing his role as one of the veterans for San Beda University as they try to regain the title in the NCAA Season 97.
The Filipino-Canadian shooting guard shared it was challenging to lead the Red Lions, both on the court and off of it, but admitted he is learning to adapt to his new role.
"It's hard being their kuya because sometimes they don't listen, they're makulit but at the end of the day, they're gonna respect me because I'm older than them," Kwekuteye said after he led their 82-68 win over Arellano University.
"So I just gotta take charge and lead them."
Kwekuteye's leadership was on display in their game against the Chiefs, where he recorded 14 points, four rebounds, and one steal as the Red Lions remained undefeated in five games.
But while he had another stellar outing, the 6-foot-2 cager said it was the help the starting unit got from the bench players that paved the way for their latest victory.
"The second group came on and they saw that Justin (Arana) wasn't on and they just went hard and executed the game plan and they kept on scoring," Kwekuteye added.
"Thank God they stepped up today, the bench."
Against Arellano, the Red Lions won the bench scoring battle as their second unit scored 41 points, compared to jut 24 for the Chiefs' reserves.
Still, Kwekuteye understands that as far as the team has come, there's a lot of season left to play.
"Honestly, I'm proud of my guys. It's good to be 5-0 but the job ain't done yet."
—JMB, GMA News
