In a rookie-laden team like Jose Rizal University, it took two newcomers to lead the Heavy Bombers past erstwhile undefeated San Beda University, 67-66.
On Friday, Sean Salvador and Allan Laurenaria delivered big plays to hand the Red Lions their first loss of the season.
Salvador finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Laurenaria hit the eventual game-winner for JRU.
According to JRU head coach Nani Epondulan, the team focused heavily on developing the players’ physicality and maturity heading into the season.
“Kasi 'yung maturity at physical strength talaga comes with age. So pinipilit lang talaga namin sila na magbuhat nang magbuhat, mag-weights nang mag-weights. So tingin ko naman, nag-pay off 'yon kanina,” Epondulan said on Friday.
“'Yung maturity, tingin ko sa mga games na meron kami ngayon na lahat close games, siguro mas mapapabilis 'yung maturity ng mga bata.”
It also helped that Salvador and Laurenaria were teammates back in Mapua High School, where Epondulan was previously part of the Red Robins’ coaching staff.
“Sa akin naman, 'yung role ko sa team na binibigay ni Coach Nani, simula pa noong juniors, hanggang ngayon, walang pagbabago. Kumbaga, develop lang nang develop, 'yun lang po,” said Salvador.
For Epondulan, however, trust goes beyond experience — rookie or not.
“Lahat naman sa team, pinagkakatiwalaan ko. So, as much as possible, ayoko talaga mag-bench ng player. Kasi I've been a player before din. Pero siyempre, tinitingnan ko rin ang matchup at kung sino ang magiging effective sa loob.”
—GMA Integrated News
