Harvey Pagsanjan won't be having any problem with familiarity and adjustments when he debuts in NCAA Season 100 with Emilio Aguinaldo College as he teams up with his high school mentor Jerson Cabiltes.
The 25-year-old guard, playing his final collegiate year, said having Cabiltes around was exactly the reason why he decided to transfer to EAC despite already having a solid career with University of the East in the UAAP.
And he's hoping his reunion with Cabiltes will translate to a success similar to what they did in Hope Christian High School.
"Si Coach Jerson, since high school kasama ko na siya sa Hope Christian, siya ‘yung high school coach ko. So sa adjustments sa sistema, hindi na ako masyadong nag-adjust," Pagsanjan told GMA News Online.
Pagsanjan, a two-way backcourt general, suited up for the Red Warriors for three years, posting 5.08 points, 4.08 rebounds, 0.92 steals, and 0.85 assists in his final run with them in Season 85 before he decided to forego his remaining year and bring his act to EAC, which hired Cabiltes last Season 99.
Pagsanjan saw the opportunity and grabbed it, knowing too well that Cabiltes had his best interest in mind.
"Syempre, si Coach Jerson mentor ko nu’ng high school and siyempre naghahanap din siya ng mga players na makakatulong sa kanya sa EAC," Pagsanjan added.
"So ginrab ko ‘yung opportunity, sinamahan ko si Coach Jerson and sinabi niya sa akin na ‘punta ka dito sa EAC’. Gusto ko rin siya masamahan talaga sa success niya."
Pagsanjan's arrival will bolster the Generals who are coming off a stellar campaign in Season 99, which saw the school achieve its best finish in 10 years after they racked up nine wins against nine losses behind the leadership of seniors Nat Cosejo, JP Maguliano, and Ralph Robin.
But these three key players have now graduated, putting the responsibility now on the shoulders of Pagsanjan and the rest of veterans in King Gurtiza, JC Luciano, Kyle Ochavo, and another transferee Axel Doromal.
Pagsanjan, though, stressed they will take it one game at a time despite them being seen as one of the early favorites for the centennial season.
"Last season nanood ako ng mga games nila, maganda naman ‘yung performance and maganda ‘yung tinakbo ng team," Pagsanjan shared.
"Siguro ang goal muna namin ay makapasok sa Final Four. Siguro, pilitin muna naming makapasok sa Final Four."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
