As if being a student-athlete isn’t hard enough, imagine how things are going right now for La Salle Green Archers’ Doy Dungo. The young forward is busy with his academic duties at Taft, while also preparing to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the 3×3 men’s basketball competition at the 20th Asian Games.
With so many responsibilities, both on the court and in the classroom, the third-year player admits he cherishes the struggle, knowing that not everyone is given this kind of opportunity.
Beauty in the Struggle for Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo
Dungo and teammate Luis Pablo were named to the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 lineup, which means they must endure extra practices beyond those with the Green Archers. It can be overwhelming, Dungo admitted, but he views it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
“Para sa amin [ni Luis Pablo], pagbyahe namin, sinasabi namin ni Pabs na ‘nakakapagod ‘yung ginagawa namin’ so parang ine-enjoy na lang namin ‘yung ginagawa namin,” said Dungo after La Salle’s 89-87 win against the NU Bulldogs on Sunday. “Kasi hindi naman lahat ng players binibigyan ng opportunity to represent the country, so ine-enjoy lang namin. Papunta sa season na ‘to, buo ang confidence namin.”
Joining Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo in the 3×3 squad are Jhuniel Dela Rama of the San Beda Red Lions and Koji Buenaflor of the UST Growling Tigers.
Despite the added exhaustion, both Dungo and Pablo still contributed significantly in La Salle’s opening win of Season 89. Dungo tallied 12 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, while Pablo, who started the game, finished with 16 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.
Two Different Courts, Two Different Rules
The one-time UAAP champion was asked how he and Pablo adjust their mindset when switching between Gilas Pilipinas and La Salle practices.
“Iba naman ‘yung rules,” he said. “Focus ko lang ‘yung game plan ng mga coaches and then after naman ng mga practices namin sa La Salle, pagpunta namin sa venue [for Gilas] is ‘yung mindset namin is 3×3.”
The 3×3 events at the 20th Asian Games are set to begin on September 21, with Gilas Pilipinas facing Mongolia in their opening game.
But before Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo fly to Japan, the Green Archers will first take on the UST Growling Tigers on Wednesday, September 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
