UAAP: From zero to big-time minutes, Doy Dungo delivers the goods for La Salle

While household names like Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, and Mike Phillips will get the lion's share of limelight from fans and pundits alike, a six-foot-three guard needed no spotlight to shine in De La Salle University’s Game 1 finals triumph against University of the Philippines.

Waiting in the wings for his opportunity, sophomore Doy Dungo soared and chalked up 15 points in 15 minutes, two rebounds, and two steals to supplement Cortez’s 21 points and help inch La Salle ever so close to a completed title redemption journey.

Before his breakthrough performance to open the finals, Dungo recounted his rookie year with La Salle last year and his ‘Did not Play - Coach’s Decision’ situation in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 Final Four versus National University last Saturday.

Instead of being discouraged, Dungo put his head down and continued to work hard until he was called by head coach Topex Robinson.

“Nag-stay ready lang ako kasi nung last game namin, wala ako sa rotation. So parang sabi lang ng mga coaches sa akin, stay ready lang,” Dungo said.

“Para sa akin naman, wala akong iniisip na matotopak, ganun. Hindi. Ginawa kong fuel 'yun para maganda 'yung ipakita ko ngayong finals.”

Dungo had been a highly touted recruit coming out of University of Santo Tomas’ juniors program. Before transferring to UST, however, the young cager developed his talents with the San Beda Red Cubs.

Coincidentally, in NCAA Season 98, a young Dungo came up against then NCAA Juniors Most Valuable Player and current DLSU teammate Luis Pablo.

With Pablo crucially swatting away two shots of UP’s Harold Alarcon down the stretch, Dungo remembered the time when he had to try and avoid his teammates' defensive intensity in back high school.

“Si Pabs (Pablo), competitor talaga. Nakikita ko naman dati and ngayon na ayaw niyang naiiskoran siya…Sa practice namin nakakatulong siya sa amin kasi nagiging better kami ‘pag siya yung nagdedepensa sa amin,” the La Salle guard acclaimed.

Now playing for the same school colors, Dungo and Pablo both bided their time this season before blossoming into integral rotational pieces for Robinson.

“Sabi nga din ni Coach T, ‘Every moment will define you,” the guard said.

“Lahat naman ng athletes, ganon na pinapangarap ‘to. Sabi nga ni Jake (Jacob Cortez) na pangarap niyang maglaro sa La Salle…So kung ano 'yung kaya kong ibigay sa team, ibibigay ko.”

—JKC, GMA Integrated News