The reigning Finals MVP of Season 100, Clint Escamis of the Mapúa University, had been eliminated by the College of Saint Benilde in their quarterfinals matchup last November 28 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City and entering his professional career soon, he said he’ll pick the best opportunity given to him.
“Kung ano man ang best opportunity sa akin.”
To end his NCAA career, the graduating student went horrible from the field in his last 2 games in the tournament going 0 of 16 from the field and only scoring 5 points all from the free throw line.
When asked where he would take his talents next now that he’s graduating, he just said:
“Kung ano man ang best opportunity sa akin basta I’m going for the pros but first kailangan ko munang ayusin yung sarili ko. Recover from a lot of injuries and yun get better.”
During the postgame interview last Friday, the 1x NCAA champion said that he is actually nursing 3 injuries all throughout the season. Though he won’t blame his injuries on the way he ended his college career.
“May punit ako sa lateral meniscus ko tas sa medial meniscus ko may punit din ako. Every game I felt na yung [left] knee ko sobrang swelling talaga, hindi ko matupi talaga. And then noong Perpetual game, na-hyperextend yung [right] elbow ko. I’ve been recovering, I’ve been in pain medication all throughout the season, every game.”
Aside from having a partial tear in his lateral meniscus, medial meniscus as well as hyperextended elbow, Clint also revealed his left knee was swollen just days before the NCAA Season 101 opening last October 1.
“Feel ko hindi ko naman sinisisi na yun pero feel ko siguro nagkulang din ako sa ano. And 2 days bago mag NCAA [opening] sobrang maga to, hindi ko talaga matupi. Pero yun yung binigay sa akin ng Diyos, for some reason pero gotta play with it kung ano man ang kaya ko to perform and ayoko naman ma-sidelined for my last season so triny ko talaga.”
Go Abroad or Go Local?
When asked if there are already been offers given to pitched to him, he said with a smile and a laughter to the media:
“Hindi ko pa alam eh. Wala pa eh pero bahala na, next year let’s see.”
But when directly asked which path would he really would like to see himself in the future he responded:
“Siyempre go international.”
But despite his dream career path of making a name in the international basketball scene, Clint isn’t closing the doors for a potential PBA professional stint considering it will still be in 2027.
“There’s a possibility, yes of course. Yeah mayroon naman, may possibility naman pero idedecide ko palang along with my family and my agent. Bahala na.”
For His Entire NCAA Career – “It’s just really memorable.”
Despite a disappointing finish to their bid of winning back to back championships, Clint said that his entire NCAA career was just really memorable and it’s something he’ll cherish forever.
“For me it’s really memorable. Hindi mo na maibabalik yung college career and we saw the school spirit especially Mapúa ang sarap sa pakiramdam na maglaro sa Mapúa, sa mga fans and especially sa mga coaches namin, sobrang thankful ako. And I feel like I’m just thankful for the opportunity they give in me specially back in high school.”
