MANILA, Philippines – Bumida ang rookie forward na si Jomel Puno para sa San Beda University matapos nilang tapusin ang unang round ng NCAA Season 99 sa ikalawang pwesto.
Binuhat ng rookie forward ang Red Lions tungo sa perfect 3-0 record sa nakaraang linggo tampok ang tatlong magkakasunod na double-double performances.
Dahil dito, napiling Collegiate Press Corps NCAA player of the Week si Puno sa likod ng solidong rehistro na 13.0 points at 13.3 rebounds.
Inungusan ni Puno sina Clint Escamis ng Mapua, Marwin Dionisio ng Jose Rizal University, Ralph Robin ng EAC at Robi Nayve ng College of St. Benilde sa karera para sa lingguhang parangal na inihahandog ng San Miguel Corporation at mga minoryang sponsors na Discovery Suites at Jockey.
Pinuri rin ng San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta ang batang manlalaro ngunit sinabi niyang hindi pa ito ang lahat ng kayang ibigay ni Puno para sa Red Lions.
“Jom playing as a 3 is always an advantage for us. His activity in crashing boards, his length and athleticism is an advantage for us," ani Escueta.
"That’s the reason why we took him and he knows it. We think it’s a blessing for the basketball community for him to go to San Beda instead of other schools. I’m sure he can do more."
Para kay Puno, bunga lamang ito ng kanyang kahandaan na makatulong sa kahit paanong paraan para sa Red Lions na sakay ngayon ng apat na sunod na tagumpay simula pa noong nakaraang linggo.
“I just know my role coming into a game. I do whatever it takes to win. I really focused on positioning myself and time my rebounds just to help my team out,” tugon niya.