In his return to Mapua University, Clint Escamis proved that it was worth the risk as he led the Cardinals to the NCAA Season 99 finals.
Although they came one win short of the crown, Escamis himself impressed as he was named the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year at the same time. With his performance, rumblings of him possibly taking his talents abroad has surfaced.
However, Escamis has decided to return to Mapua for another run in Season 100.
Why?
"Simple. They took a risk on me when no one else did. Since high school, second time in college, and career play pa," Escamis said on 'Game On: The Podcast.'
Escamis recalled how he decided to return to Mapua after playing for one season with the University of the East.
"'Yung nag-transfer from UE to Mapua, walang gustong ano... wala talagang gustong... even my mom wanted me to stay in UE. 'Sige, trust, may plano sila, may plano na sila para sa 'yo.' Pero, at that time, nag-a-ask na ako guidance from God," Escamis recalled.
"Totoo 'to. Parang 'Give me a sign kung lilipat ba talaga ako or mag-stay ako.' Eh, sa condo namin, pag kanan, nakita ko after my one-year break sina Warren, sina Toby Agustin, sina Joaquin, at nag-returning sila sa, ano sa, San Beda."
[When I transferred from UE to Mapua, no one wanted it... even my mom wanted me to stay in UE. 'Trust that they have a plan for you.' But at the time I was asking guidance from God... This is true, 'Give me a sign if I should transfer or stay'. After my one-year break, from our condo, I took I right turn and I saw Warren, Toby Agustin, Joaquin, they were returning from San Beda.]
As a transferee himself, Escamis also shared his thoughts about player movements in collegiate leagues.
"For me, number one, 'yung ano, siyempre, you can all agree, 'yung offers na binibigay ng mga school. Grabe talaga," Escamis said.
[For me, number one, you can all agree, the offers that schools are giving, it's a lot.]
The reigning league MVP said his return to Mapua, however, is a result of wanting the opportunity to play.
"Opportunity talaga. Opportunity," he said.
"Nu'ng natalo sila nu'ng [Season] 97. 'O ano? Bumalik ka na.' Nu'ng nag-usap kami [ni Coach Randy], 'Ikaw na, ikaw na lang kulang.' 'Yung ang sinasabi, 'Ikaw na lang kulang.'"
[When they lost in Season 97, they told me 'Come back.' When I spoke to Coach Randy, 'You're the only missing piece.' That's what they said, 'You're the missing piece.']
Now, Escamis said the Cardinals are "locked in" as they return to practice for the league's centennial season.
"Well, nu'ng first day of practice, 'yun kaagad binanggit. One game short, one game short. So lock in na kaagad 'yun. I remember it was like January 17. 'Yung sabi talo. Galing talo. Siyempre, down 'yung morale. Then, kinusap kami lahat nila Coach Randy, Coach Yong na we need to come together," he said.
[On the first day of practice, that was mentioned right away. One game short, one game short.
Mapua, however, will miss the game of key players Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez as they have wrapped up their respective stints. Peter Rosillo has also decided to part ways with the Intramuros-based squad.
Listen to the full episode of the podcast here:
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
