All CJ Libang needed was confidence—both in himself and from his coaches—to finally unlock his potential.
The sophomore big man has taken a significant leap in his game, powering Arellano University in several preseason tournaments, including one where the Chiefs advanced to a rare quarterfinals appearance.
The 6-foot-5 cager hopes that momentum carries over into NCAA Season 101, though he admits he’s far from satisfied.
"Para sa akin, kulang pa rin. China-challenge ko pa ‘yung sarili ko na mas may maibibigay pa ako at may maitutulong sa team. Kulang pa rin talaga para sa akin," Libang told GMA News Online during the league's media day.
"Gusto kong i-prove kila coach na hindi kami kulang sa big man, gusto kong ipakita sa kanila na mali sila if iniisip nilang nahihirapan kami sa bigs."
Libang first saw action in UAAP Season 85, suiting up for National University before ultimately deciding to take his talents to the NCAA and join Arellano in search of more playing time.
But in his rookie year with the Chiefs, minutes were still hard to come by. He averaged just under six minutes across 17 games in Season 100, where he posted 2.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 0.5 steals per outing.
Determined to carve out a bigger role, Libang put in the work during the offseason—efforts that eventually earned the trust of head coach Chico Manabat.
"Tinrabaho ko naman siya and binigyan din ako ni coach Chico ng opportunity kaya ginrab ko lang and then pinakita ko sa kanya na deserve ko ‘yun," he added.
In the FilOil Preseason Tournament, Libang improved his numbers and emerged as a key piece for the Chiefs, averaging 9.33 points, 5.22 rebounds, 1.11 steals, and 0.22 blocks, helping Arellano secure a fourth-place finish in the NCAA bracket.
He is now looking to carry that momentum into Season 101, where a bigger role awaits him alongside fellow holdovers T-Mc Ongotan, Basti Valencia, Maverick Vinoya, and Drei Miller.
Libang also faces the challenge of filling a major void left by the departure of Arellano's top scorer and main big man, Lorenz Capulong, who has since moved on to the professional ranks.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
