Old HS coach Joph Cleopas sees bright UAAP future for Lebron Jhames Daep after strong debut

Having seen first-hand how Lebron Jhames Daep plays the game, former mentor Joph Cleopas is confident the De La Salle University rookie can be a big name in the UAAP in the future.

Daep and his head coach Cleopas joined forces in the NCAA juniors, leading the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to its historic first-ever title in Season 100 earlier this year, with the latter claiming both the Season and Finals MVP plums.

Though they’ve now gone their separate ways, Cleopas is certain that Daep’s future rests securely in his own hands.

"I believe [he will blossom sa UAAP] kasi iba ‘yung bata e. Hindi mo na kailangang i-push ‘yun. May sariling self-motivation ‘yun," Cleopas told GMA News Online during the Season 101 media launch on Monday.

"Hindi imposible ‘yun kasi sa experience ko sa kanya, even though he’s one of the best players sa team, pinapakita pa rin niya na magwo-work hard pa rin siya for his minutes."

"Hindi siya petiks."

[I believe he will blossom in the UAAP because the kid id build different. You never need to push him. He has his own self-motivation. It's not impossible for him because from my experience with him, even though he's one of the best players on the team, he still show that he will work hard for his minutes. He doesn't take it easy.]

Daep made a solid collegiate debut last Saturday as the Green Archers launched their redemption drive at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. 

He emerged as the third leading scorer for La Salle with eight points, three rebounds, and two steals, helping the Taft crew escape Adamson University with a nail-biting 60-58 victory. 

His output provided the help to veterans Mike Phillips and Jacob Cortez as the graduating big man dropped a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds while the prized guard churned out 16 markers, including six in the final period. 

Cleopas beamed with pride as Daep began his collegiate career on the right foot, saying he’s honored to be part of his basketball journey.

"I'm happy because naging part ako ng career niya. It’s his decision going there and masaya kami at ako na ganyan ‘yung nagiging result ng laro niya kasi he deserves it," Cleopas added.

"Masipag na bata siya at tinrabaho talaga niya ‘yan. Panalo sila and third scorer siya and right after that game, nag-message kami at [sabi niya] ‘coach, thank you sa pag-guide sa akin’. Nakakataba sa puso."

[I'm happy because I was part of his career. It's his decision going there and we're happy and I'm happy that that is the result of his play, because he deserves it... He's such a hard working kid and he really works for that. They won and he's the third scorer and right after that game, we messaged and he said 'coach, thank you for guiding me'. It touches the heart.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News