The end has come for John Barba as Lyceum of the Philippines University wrapped up its campaign last Thursday in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball quarterfinals.
The Pirates fell to San Beda University, 91–67, and Barba turned emotional during the dying moments of the game.
“Kaya rin lumabas na ‘yung luha ko kasi mga teammates ko, ang daming graduating ngayon. Tapos siyempre ang daming nag-e-expect sa amin, ang daming nanood. Para sa akin, gusto namin mabigay ng magandang laban talaga sa San Beda pero ‘yun, talagang pumutok talaga sila kaya nalayuan kami,” Barba recalled last Thursday.
“Kanina, after n’un, sabi ko tapos na ‘yung eight years ko sa NCAA. Last final buzzer na. Next step na ako sa career ko, kaya talagang lumabas na ‘yung [luha], emotional na ako kanina.”
It has been a memorable run for the Laguna native, who spent around eight years with LPU dating back to his high school days.
Barba was the Most Valuable Player of the NCAA Season 95 high school tournament, where he led the Junior Pirates to the finals before falling to San Beda University.
In college, Barba also made his mark as part of the NCAA Season 100 Mythical Five. The Pirates, meanwhile, tallied three consecutive Final Four appearances and a quarterfinal finish in the ongoing 101st season.
For Barba, these accomplishments are more than just statistics — they form some of the most memorable moments of his young career.
“Kung pwede pa maglaro sa NCAA, maglaro pa ako,” he said in jest.
However, it is time to move forward.
After going undrafted in this year’s PBA Draft, he still hopes to be given a chance in Asia’s first professional league.
“Kung aking tatanungin, siyempre naniniwala naman ako kay God kung ano ‘yung talagang plan niya sa akin. Pero alam naman natin na ‘yung pangarap talaga ng isang basketball player na Pilipino ay makaangat sa PBA. ‘Yan talaga ‘yung pinaka-main goal,” he said.
“Hopefully, sana mabigyan pa ng opportunity na makalaro doon. Kung wala naman talaga, may other options naman, doon ko ipapakita ‘yung talent ko.”
With Barba and other veterans such as Gyle Montaño, Michael Verzosa, and Josh Moralejo leaving, he believes the future remains bright for the Pirates, especially with talents like NCAA Season 98 juniors Mythical Five member and former De La Salle Green Archer Matthew Rubico, and Roger Ondoa suiting up for the Intramuros-based squad next season.
“Tingin ko, ‘yung future ng LPU next season at sa mga susunod na season, maganda pa.”
—GMA Integrated News
