Gozum to fellow MVP Liwag: Forget past
College of St. Benilde big man Allen Liwag has a huge “X” on his back heading into the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament—and for good reason.
The dominant Blazer will embark on his second go-around with Benilde with a heavy responsibility as the reigning league Most Valuable Player.
Who better to give him pointers than a fellow center, Blazer and MVP?
Will Gozum, who officially declared for the 2025 PBA Draft a few days ago, had nothing but good words about Liwag after a tremendous run in NCAA Season 100.
At some point during the former Emilio Aguinaldo College standout’s MVP campaign, he seemingly mirrored Gozum, who went on to win an MVP trophy a few years back.
“He really worked hard to get whatever he has now,” Gozum said in a phone call with the Inquirer.
“I really appreciate what he’s been doing. He’s on another level. Unfortunately, he just fell a tad short in the end.”
To say both Taft-based products have similarities with one another is an understatement.
For starters, they’re both bruisers in the paint. They’re both inside anchors for coach Charles Tiu and won the league’s MVP title two seasons apart, Gozum in 2022.
In Gozum’s best year with the Blazers, he averaged 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. In Liwag’s coming-out season, he posted 14.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per outing.
Even their failures reflect each other.
Gozum and Liwag led the Blazers to twice-to-beat advantages during their MVP years. Both lost the title hunt.
As someone who’s experienced crashing after winning the MVP plum, Gozum gave Liwag some timely advice just two months before the league’s 101st season.
“Don’t let the past affect you and just stick to the system,” said the 6-foot-4 powerhouse.
“Stick to the present. Stop thinking about what could happen in the future and don’t let the last year affect what’ll. Also, just work on his flaws. For sure, our coaches know what he’s missing so he just has to work on them.”
While Gozum hopes his name gets called in the PBA Draft on Sept. 7, Liwag and the Blazers will be in the lab, preparing for Oct 1, the start of the NCAA season.
