Cyril Gonzales has seen both sides of Mapua’s journey — from heartbreak in the NCAA Season 99 Finals to redemption in Season 100.
Now, as he suits up for one final collegiate run, the 25-year-old guard is determined to help the Cardinals defend their crown and leave the program on an even higher note.
Gonzales, who transferred to Mapua after two seasons with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, shared that he was present at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when Mapua suffered a crushing Game 3 loss to San Beda in 2023.
A year later, he witnessed head coach Randy Alcantara’s squad dominated Season 100 to claim the school’s first NCAA title in 33 years.
"Actually, pinanood ko ‘yung Game 3 nila, and feel ko no’n, parang nakaka-miss din maglaro sa NCAA," Gonzales told GMA News Online.
"Sobrang excited ako [maglaro] kasi ito na ‘yung last chance ko. Excited at pressured kasi defending champion tapos last year ko pa. As long as makapagbigay naman ako, okay na ako do’n. Ang goal naman is mag-champion."
For Gonzales, playing for Mapua carries deep significance.
He first suited up for Alcantara back in Season 95, when the Cardinals narrowly missed the Final Four with a 9–9 record. After that, he transferred to UP and joined fellow NU Bullpups standouts Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano, where he played in UAAP Seasons 85 and 86 — both ending in runner-up finishes for the Fighting Maroons.
Gonzales was initially set to turn pro but chose to return to Mapua to close out his collegiate career.
"Gusto ko lang mag-move forward sa next chapter ng career ko, at naisip ko na bumalik sa Mapua kasi nakapaglaro na ako kasama si Coach Randy, so hindi na siya bago sa akin," he said.
"Ako ‘yung lumapit sa kanya kasi meron na akong option no’n na mag-pro sa MPBL after ng Season 86. Inisip ko na may isang taon pa ako sa college, so bakit ‘di ko na lang ituloy. Kinausap ko si Coach Randy kung tatanggapin niya pa ako, and welcome naman daw ako."
Now back in familiar territory, Gonzales is motivated to make his return count — with a back-to-back championship run as the ultimate goal.
"Feel ko ‘yung NCAA mas fit sa akin kasi more on transition and drive ako, and parang ‘yung system, mag-iisip ka na lang. Sa UAAP kasi super tight ng sistema. Feel ko mas okay ‘yung laro sa NCAA."
The NCAA will open its 101st season on October 1.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
