Shawn Umali can be a big time revelation for the Benilde Blazers. 

Amid the unfortunate absence of Allen Liwag, and all the unavoidable downside when missing the MVP’s double-double output, 6-foot-3 Umali has been holding his own, acing the minutes he’s given as Benilde’s primary option at the center.

His biggest game in this recent stretch– and unmistakably the best in his NCAA career thus far– came yesterday against JRU, where the burly center from Tondo balled out with a career-high 28-piece alongside 12 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and an assist through 30 minutes of play.

Talking about the importance of his team’s “trust,” Umali said he simply relishes the opportunity to take the mantle as he dedicates the performance to the reigning MVP-DPOY Liwag. 

“Malaki yung presence ni Allen sa amin, double-double machine sya defense at offense. Malaking part siya ng team namin, [nawala sya], so kailangan ko mag step up. Actually may nakasulat sa wrist ko na ‘Liwag’ – dine-dedicate namin ‘tong game na to para sa kanya talaga,” Umali told GMA Regional TV News in a post-game interview.

Now more than ever has Umali’s paint presence been more central to Coach Charles Tiu’s rotation scheme and play sets as Liwag continues to heal from a shoulder injury he sustained in a game versus LPU last November 4.

Umali’s production has seen impressive increments since assuming a more focal role at the center spot. As of publishing, his season numbers stand at 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.17 assists, 1.25 steals, and 1.17 blocks– rising from averages of 5.8 points, 3.9 boards, 1.4 assists, and 0.89 blocks with Liwag in the fray. 

For the prized recruit, the opportunity to take control in the paint became his for the taking especially with his team’s support and the coaching staff’s approval of the added responsibility. 

“Binigay ko ang best ko sa game na ’to— malaki ang tiwala ng coaches at teammates ko na sa akin ibigay ang opensa kanina, malaking opportunity yun sa akin kaya tine-take ko,” he said.

Umali also sounded positive about the fact that Coach Charles thumbs-up this expansion of role, adding that he was specifically asked to take charge with actions at the post. 

“Binigyan naman ako ng green light ni Coach Charles pagdating sa offense namin, since wala si Allen kailangan ko mag step up at kunin yung mga ganung post action lalo sa amin (ni Allen) nanggagaling yung offense,” Umali added.

Asked about Liwag’s health status, Umali said it’s all about giving their best cager all the time he needs to fully heal.

“Binibigyan lang din namin sya ng time makarecover, makabalik sya. Pero hindi ito madali sa amin, kumbaga malaking pressure sya talagang kailangan namin si Allen sa team,” he said, adding that should Liwag make his much-desired return soon, adjustments will be key.

“For me, pag kasabay ko naman si Allen, at ganon din naman sya, nag-aadjust lang kami sa isa’t isa– kung ano yung gagawin ko, kung ano yung gagawin nya,” he concluded.