Ever since Jhomel Ancheta set foot at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde a year ago to try his luck with the Blazers, head coach Charles Tiu had already seen his heart and hustle.
And now that he's got a spot in Tiu's program, the 21-year-old guard is living up to the trust given him as he helped the Taft crew survive a tough San Beda University in overtime, 70-65, to move up to a 2-0 record in NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday.
That belief from Tiu and his own sheer determination now makes Ancheta a crucial part of Blazers' bid.
"Siguro ‘yung tuloy-tuloy lang na trabaho. Lagi ko lang iniisip na ready lang ako in case na bunutin ako ni Coach Charles," Ancheta said.
"Aminado naman ako na may kaba pa ako kasi nga first game, hindi naman kami dina-down ni Coach Charles. Naiintindihan niya kami and nao-overcome naman namin."
Ancheta scored five of Benilde's 10 points in the extra period while also coming up with a massive three-pointer that gave them a 60-58 lead in regulation before Yuki Andrada tied things up and forced an overtime.
The rookie transferee finished with a team-high 14 points alongside five assists and two rebounds, towing the Blazers to a 2-0 start.
Tiu said the fighter in Ancheta allowed him to bravely take those big shots in a game where stakes are high as they were up against the defending champions.
"From day one we can really see his talent and I like that he’s a fighter. He doesn’t back down from anybody," Tiu shared.
"Aso nga tawag namin diyan kasi grabe siya but from the start, he’s always had a lot of heart and that’s what I like. He’s not afraid of the moment and he’s skilled."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
