Behind breakout performance, DLSU rookie Encho Serrano says there's more to improve on

Finally. It looks like former high school standout Encho Serrano has found his groove in the UAAP.

On Wednesday, the former Adamson Baby Falcon led the Taft-based squad with 18 points and six rebounds — a far cry from his average of five points and one rebound per game performance in his first six games in the seniors league.

Serrano admitted he needs to adjust more to improve his college game. "Iba 'yung college kasi utakan talaga e. Wag kang kukurap. Pag kumurap ka, mawawala ka talaga. Marami pang kailangan i-adjust," the rookie said.

"Sa high school, pag inisip kong gagawin, gagawin ko, pero dito sa college, di ko magawa. Kaya kailangan sumunod sa sistema kung anong gustong ipagawa ni coach sakin," he added.

According to the rookie, one key to get his confidence back is to just keep on playing. "Sa'kin lang, kasi hindi ako puwedeng tumigil sa paglalaro and hindi ako nawawalan ng kumpiyansa sa sarili ko."

In fact, he even played today despite having fever. "Actually may lagnat ako ngayon e. Kaninang umaga nasa ospital ako. Sabi ko maglalaro ako. Kaya ko naman 'yan. Gusto ko lang maglaro para makuha kumpiyansa ko."

Serrano is also grateful to their captain, DLSU senior Kib Montalbo, for continuously believing in him. "'Yung captain namin, si Kib. Sobrang bait niya. Simula pa lang, pagdating ko, sabi niya, 'Nandito lang ako para i-guide ka. Alam ko na maraming kulang sa'yo. Oo malakas ka pero alam kong marami pang kulang sa'yo kasi iba talaga 'yung college. Matagal na ako sa college kaya kung may gusto ka itanong, itanong mo sakin. Huwag kang mahihiya'" he narrated.

Montalbo also serves as Serrano's guide in the team. "Nandyan siya lagi, tuwing nagkakamali ako, lalapit sakin, [sasabihin] 'Ok lang 'yan, process 'yan para matutunan mo. Wag kang mawalan ng kumpiyansa para matutunan mo,'" he added.

Asked if this breakout performance will happen again in the next games, "Sana magtuloy-tuloy na." — LA, GMA News