Shane Menina made sure to make a statement in his first-ever game inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 25-year-old gunner flaunted his skills in Arellano University's 63-58 escape of host Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday, pouring 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal as the Chiefs began their NCAA Season 98 journey on the right track.
"Masaya ako kasi first time ko maglaro sa Araneta so ginrab ko 'yung opportunity," Menina said in the post-game interview.
"Kasi may tiwala si coach sa akin so binigyan niya ako ng tiwala, binigyan niya ako ng oras so tiwala din kami sa kanya kung ano 'yung sinasabi niya so laro lang namin 'yung best namin."
Menina had stints with Mapua University in 2015 before he transferred to National University, but only suited up during the Bulldogs' preseason activities.
He then moved to University of Cebu before finally returning to NCAA with Arellano University.
Arellano head coach Cholo Martin raved about his rookie veteran, saying Menina has what it takes to lead the Chiefs both on and off the court.
"Alam naman natin 'yung laro niya eh so it's a matter of timing and 'yung adjustment niya sa team niya kasi nga bago lang siya sa team namin so okay naman, good result naman," Martin said.
"Give and take naman sila ng teammates niya so walang problema. Alam nila 'yung magagawa ni Shane, kung ano mabibigay sa team, so we let him play."
—JMB, GMA News
