Title celebration’s over, and Mapua awaits MVP’s next move
Bringing home the NCAA men’s basketball crown after over three decades of futility, the Mapua Cardinals will certainly relish even just the thought of Clint Escamis leading them into the new season.
The quintessential guard was a dominant figure for the Cardinals, and having Escamis back in the lineup practically assures another championship run in Season 101.
But following his stellar performance, where the Cardinals handily defeated the College of St. Benilde Blazers in a sweep of their best-of-three final series, the 5-foot-10 playmaker has been the target of scouts with a team in the Korean Basketball League interested in his services.
Will Escamis, the Finals MVP of Season 100 and yesteryear’s rookie MVP, stay or take the lucrative bait?
“With our lineup, we’re okay. But of course, we’ll check on what our MVP’s decision will be,’’ said Mapua coach Randy Alcantara.
There is no doubt that the Cardinals will still be contenders with holdovers Chris Hubilla, Cyrus Cuenco, JC Recto, Yam Concepcion and Lawrence Mangubat, but will not be as formidable like when Escamis rules the roost.
“We definitely could not have won this without Clint,” Alcantara said. “But after our celebration, we’ll just go back to work and prepare those who will be replacing our graduating players.”
Ripe for the pros
The talented Escamis is an easy choice at this time for any pro club, much more so to overseas teams that covet such talent and pay a lot.
Rhenz Abando was the last biggest draw from the NCAA, who brought his talents abroad after leading the Letran Knights to the title in Season 97.
With his work ethic and athleticism, Escamis is hands-down a great asset to any squad. He continues to stay mum about his future.
Escamis reunited with Alcantara two seasons ago and the duo has delivered, gifting the school with its first basketball title in 16 years when the Red Robins ruled high-school play.
Winning a sixth championship overall for the Cardinals plus the abundance of individual accolades he received in two seasons, there’s nothing more to chase for Escamis on the collegiate scene.
Whatever the future holds for this alliance, however, Alcantara would certainly be the first one to know.
“He (Alcantara) holds great influence in my [basketball career] decisions because he’s been my father figure since high school,’’ said Escamis.
There’s a big likelihood that the Cardinals will chase back-to-back titles without Escamis, leaving Alcantara without his foremost ward as he goes for such a feat as coach and player after leading the team to the 1990-91 titles.
