San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta is challenging his big man Damie Cuntapay to do with less of his on-court antics and remain focused on just playing basketball.
Cuntapay led the Mendiola-based crew with 16 points and four rebounds in their thrilling 82-79 overtime victory over old rival San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Sunday.
But his impressive statline was clouded with five fouls, the last of which came at the crucial part of the game as he was whistled for a technical foul due to a second infraction of faking a foul with 3:57 left in regulation.
"Ganito 'yung mga game na he's made for, 'yung talagang physical, tough games. But sabi ko naman kay Damie, more than his toughness and other antics niya sa basketball na kailangan na niyang tanggalin, basketball player na siya eh," Escueta said.
"He can shoot from the outside, he can make good passes so 'yung extracurricular activity babawasan pa natin 'yan."
Cuntapay, meanwhile, is ready to take up the challenge and will try to keep his focus moving forward.
"Siguro 'yung last foul ko na nagpa-graduate sa akin, siguro parang nawala na lang ako sa focus no'n. Siguro next time hindi ko na siya gagawin," the fourth year cager said.
"Be tough na lang siguro na kahit banggain ako, parang wala lang. Kahit anong banggaan, babalewalain ko na lang. Focus na lang ako sa game next time."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
