Winning plays demonstrated in Game 2 of the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 Men’s Basketball catapulted John Bryan Sajonia on to the NCAA pedestal. 

The 25-year-old resident of Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo is adjudged NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).

By displaying his all-around performance and scoring 21 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, he clinched a personal milestone along with the victory of his team - the San Beda Red Lions.

The Lions outplayed rival team Letran Knights with the score of 83-71.

Prior to their victory, Bryan faced several challenges after he sustained injury mid-season.

“Sobrang thankful ako na syempre everybody’s dream ito na mag-champion and ang pagka-MVP bonus lang ‘to para sa akin. And siguro, ang goal ko talaga is makuha ang championship,” Bryan said.

According to Bryan, he initially was not into basketball.

“Ang una kong sport is volleyball noong nasa Pavia pa ako. Volleyball talaga ang laro ko sa elementary. Nag-Palaro (Palarong Pambansa) ako sa elementary sa volleyball. Hanggang nag-transfer ako sa Sta. Clarita, doon ako nag-start sa basket (basketball)," he said. 

Bryan’s aspiration of becoming an excellent basketball player, at first, did not get his mother’s approval. That was because pursuing the dream, tied to his academic studies in Manila, would mean spending months away from his mother. 

However, in the long run, his mother reconsidered because being away is necessary to bring him closer to his dream.

His mother accorded him her blessing and staunch support.

“Dati hindi ko talaga matanggap kasi syempre, magtatagal siya sa Manila. Hindi ko siya makikita. Iyak ako nang iyak sa loob ng dalawang linggo, hindi ako maka-move on kasi wala siya dito," Mary Ann Sajonia, the mother, said.

"Tô [local term of endearment] congratulations. Sobra ang saya namin dito sa bahay,” Mary Ann added.

The victory may not give a direct pass generally for the draft of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), but according to Bryan the ball is already in his court, which means he is given the blessed opportunity to make the next decision. 

Bryan aspires to bring his talent at the PBA and be one of the best players of Philippine basketball.

“Kailangan masipag ka talaga at mag-focus sa kung ano ang kailangan mong ma-improve sa sarili mo, especially sa dribbling and shooting,” Bryan underscored that being on the ball is key.