San Beda University’s Jomel Puno is slowly finding his rhythm after a sluggish start in NCAA Season 101.
Puno missed the Red Lions’ opening game against De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde before returning in a crucial match against Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Apparently, he re-aggravated a previous back injury just a month before the season began.
In his first four games, Puno averaged 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Then, against Arellano University, he tallied 10 points and eight rebounds.
But his biggest game yet this season came at the expense of San Sebastian College–Recoletos, where he finished with 10 points and 17 rebounds, far from his early-season averages.
“It was actually scary for me because I had an old lower back injury about five years ago, and a month prior to this season I re-injured it and it was at its worst. It was like a minor disc bulge. You know, like a slipped disc? It was minor before, but this time it was really bad,” Puno told GMA News Online last Sunday.
“I couldn’t walk for a few days, so I got an MRI and found out it was a disc. I rejoined the team and did rehab for a month straight. I was scared—I thought I wouldn’t be able to play this year.”
Thankfully, Puno recovered just in time.
“Rehab went well, so Coach [Yuri Escueta] really wanted to ease me in slowly. Now I feel like I’m 99.5 to 100 percent, and I’m slowly getting my rhythm back.”
Puno is also thankful for the arrival of Janti Miller in San Beda.
“First of all, off the court, we’re really close. We hang out a lot, play video games—I feel like we connect well because we both came from America,” said the Fil-Canadian forward.
“With that off-court chemistry, once we’re on the court, it’s automatic. We know each other’s movements. We gel really well, and I feel like we can dominate the league as big guards.”
With Miller’s arrival, and other offensive threat stepping up, Puno also embraced a new role on the team.
“Coach Yuri (Escueta) just told me to play aggressively when the lanes are open. For example, in fast breaks or when I can attack or take open shots—I’ll take them. But my main goal is to go for rebounds. That’s what I’m focusing on.”
“As long as we’re winning, I’m happy.”
—GMA Integrated News
