A dominant force in the juniors ranks, Will Gozum seemed destined to be a star in the collegiate ranks.
But upon transferring from Mapua University to University of the Philippines, the young bruiser saw limited minutes and was unable to show off his wares.
After a two-year stint with UP, Gozum decided to make another leap in his career by jumping camp to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and just like with the Red Robins, Gozum now has a chance to be a champion again.
And he credits the Blazers management and the coaching staff, including head coach Charles Tiu, for bringing that confidence within him back.
"Happy ako. Nagsimula 'to lahat nung kinuha ako nila Coach Charles," said Gozum, who is a frontrunner for the Season 98 MVP award.
"Wala akong confidence before and ngayon bumabalik na. Thankful ako sa coaches and sinusuklian ko lang din 'yung mga binibigay nila sa akin."
Gozum has put that confidence on full display, averaging close to a double-double with 17.29 points and 9.43 rebounds per game. On Tuesday, he against posted 25 points and 10 boards alongside six assists and two steals in the Blazers' 83-78 win over the Stags on Tuesday.
With Gozum showing the way on both ends, Benilde is now on its way back to the Final Four for the first time since 2002.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
