Entering the UP Fighting Maroons as a prized pick with championship experience, James Payosing continues to ensure that the lessons he learned during his NCAA days will not go to waste as he writes his next chapter with the Katipunan‑based squad.
The former San Beda Red Lion gives credit to head coach Goldwyn Monteverde for his continued guidance and continues to embrace the challenges that the UAAP throws at him.
“Ine‑embrace ko lang ‘yung games and sa opportunity na naglalaro ako. Grateful ako kay Coach Gold, naging patient siya sa’min and sa lahat ng players na darating sa’min and gina‑guide naman kami,” he said postgame after UP’s 94‑75 rout of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
In his second game for the Fighting Maroons, Payosing led the way with 16 points, along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists, all while shooting an efficient 80% from the field.
Payosing Continues to Embrace New Role
Perhaps notably, the former Finals MVP in the NCAA isn’t seeing much of a difference in physicality with the UAAP but underscores the importance of having a winning mindset in order to brew success.
“‘Yung competition almost same lang, kailangan lang talaga namin ‘yung mindset kung sino ‘yung gusto manalo,” Payosing said. “As a player kasi, ‘yung mindset ko talaga is nandito ako sa team sport. So kung ano lang ‘yung role ko, basta mabuo ang team namin,” he added.
As the Fighting Maroons look to return to the top of the UAAP mountain, Payosing emphasized the importance of buying into one’s role and how success must be celebrated by the entire team.
“Panalo ‘yung isa, panalo sa lahat,” Payosing said. “Magiging star player [dapat] tayo sa sariling role natin, para pag lima tayo di’yan sa court, superstar tayong lahat,” he added.
Payosing and the Fighting Maroons will return to action on Saturday, September 26, against the NU Bulldogs at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
