When not on the court, Emilio Aguinaldo College team captain Nico Quinal always has his glasses on for his astigmatism.
But once he steps on the hardwood, Quinal takes them off, although he clarified he can still see enough despite a slightly blurry vision.
“Nag-contact lens po ako ng mga two weeks pero ‘di ko po nagustuhan eh. Mas nasanay na ako na blurred ‘yung [paningin]. Mas comfortable po ako na gumagalaw na walang salamin,” Quinal told GMA News Online when asked about his routine.
He can still see his teammates. He can still see the ring. He can still make shots even without his glasses.
“’Yung mga tira naman po kasi kahit malabo, muscle memory na eh,” he added.
True enough, Quinal does make his shots — and more — as he led EAC against Lyceum of the Philippines University, drilling four triples to finish with 18 points in a career performance.
But with or without glasses, his vision for EAC basketball remains crystal clear: a top four finish, which he hopes to achieve this season after four years of heartbreak.
In his first three seasons, the Generals were relatively cellar-dwellers, but last year, they came just a win or two shy of reaching the Final Four.
“So feeling ko talaga, ngayon na ‘yun eh, ‘yung perfect time na makapasok kami,” he said.
And why not? EAC currently holds a 4-4 record and has gone 3-1 in the crossover phase, taking down teams like San Sebastian, Arellano, and LPU along the way.
The road ahead, however, is about to get tougher as they face Mapua University next before returning to the so-called ‘Group of Death.’
“Haharapin namin ‘yung mga challenges na ‘yan. Sanay naman kami diyan,” said the 23-year-old captain.
“Alam namin malalakas sila eh. Pero pag ‘yung collective effort namin, alam namin kaya namin kunin ‘yung panalo kahit gaano sila kalakas.”
Quinal also drew praise from head coach Jerson Cabiltes, who lauded his leadership and work ethic, especially as he helps guide younger teammates like EJ Castillo.
“He knows the system very well and he works hard not only on his shooting, but also on defense. Kahit undersized siya, I can see na he works on defense also. Good thing nagle-lead siya sa team namin,” Cabiltes said.
—GMA Integrated News
