NCAA reigning Most Valuable Player Will Gozum is somehow regaining his old form.
In De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's 74-56 drubbing of Arellano University, Gozum led the Blazers with 17 points and nine rebounds.
At the end of the first round, Gozum posted averages of 10.63 points and 6.88 rebounds in eight games.
While head coach Charles Tiu previously said Gozum is heading in the right direction, the Taft tower still has some points for improvement.
"I'm still not happy with the way he's playing," said Tiu, adding that Gozum had some on-court actions he could have avoided.
"Little things like those drive me nuts. Silly turnovers in the first half, you have to be more mature."
"I know I'm the hardest guy on Will but that's because I have a high standard for him. I want him to be great. We had to demand a lot."
For Tiu, Gozum's performance is crucial as the Blazers continue their quest for a Final Four slot.
"The numbers start to get there but if you look at it the way he is on the floor, he should dominate. To me, he should be 25 and 15 every game pero wala pa 'yun (it's still not there). Hopefully, baby steps [still] as he gets his confidence back."
Gozum, meanwhile, said he accepts Tiu's constructive criticisms.
"Sanay na ako kasi 'di naman mawawala ang bad games sa player. Kahit na ginaganon ako ni coach, alam ko naman, mahal ako n'on ni coach. Tough love 'yun. Kahit sa training, viewing, ginaganon din niya ako," Gozum said.
"Okay lang, tatrabahuhin ko para maging better ako. Tough love talaga kay Coach Charles."
(I'm used to it since sometimes a player has a bad game. Even if Coach gives me those, he loves me. It's tough love, Even in training, viewing, he [is hard]. It's fine, I'll work on it to be better. I really get the tough love treatment from Coach Charles.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
