Aside from repping the green-and-white in the NCAA Season 101 semifinals, Allen Liwag has one more reason to stay motivated in their ongoing bid for a finals spot: an unexpected national team call-up for the Southeast Asian Games.
Liwag’s name was included in the lineup released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Thursday, just a day before Game 2 of their semifinal series against San Beda University.
“Nung unang nabanggit sa akin ni Coach Charles [Tiu], hindi ko in-expect na matatawagan ulit ako para sa training sa Gilas. No’ng nabanggit niya, parang hindi ko masyado inisip. Nag-focus pa rin ako rito sa Benilde kasi ito naman ‘yung school na nilalaruan ko ngayon,” Liwag said on Friday after their win against the Red Lions.
“Siyempre, may dagdag siyang kumpiyansa sa akin kasi natawagan ako para mag-represent ng country. Malaking bagay siya sa akin. Pangarap ko ‘yun nung bata pa lang ako. So, para sa akin, talagang morale booster siya.”
Tiu said it was Gilas Pilipinas SEA Games head coach Norman Black who contacted him to request Liwag, as the national team had to make several revisions to its lineup.
However, Tiu clarified that if Benilde advances to the finals, Liwag will only join the national team once their NCAA season has concluded.
“I think it’s the latter part of the tournament na mas, I guess, they need Allen. It’s not an ideal situation for us and even for the national team, but at this point, I agree with the committee’s choice that Allen is probably one of the best bigs available,” Tiu said.
The Benilde head coach added that he is proud to see Liwag get the chance to represent the country.
“If there’s a chance to play for the country, how can you say no to that? I know we represent our school and everything, but that’s one of the greatest honors you can have. So for me, na they even considered Allen, sobrang nakakatuwa ‘yan. I’m proud of Allen na pinaghirapan niya ‘yun.”
Liwag and Benilde will face San Beda once more for a chance to meet Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the finals, as they play Game 3 of the semifinals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
