Caracut focused on winning title, not Rookie of the Year award

De La Salle guard Andrei Caracut goes for a floater. against NU. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Most rookies would’ve folded in the face of adversity, but based on what he’s shown so far, De La Salle’s Andrei Caracut is no ordinary newcomer.

Caracut didn’t have the kind of start he would’ve wanted against University of the East on Sunday with five turnovers in the first half.

Green Archers head coach Juno Sauler kept Caracut in the game and eventually, the former San Beda Red Cub got rid of his early struggles and even went on to come up big late.

“I had a lot of turnovers in the first half but I never lost hope and I was able to get my game going late,” said Caracut. “But I still have a lot of turnovers in the end and that’s what I need to cut down on in the coming games.”

Caracut finished with 16 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter that helped hold off the Red Warriors. He also collected five rebounds and three assists.

“I work hard for everything I get. Sometimes in training I feel down but I just keep on playing,” he said.

Caracut has made himself an early favorite to win the Rookie of the Year. But the 19-year-old guard said he would rather win the championship.

“I’m not really looking to win the Rookie of the Year. It’s just a bonus if I win,” he said. “All I’m thinking of is to win every game and what I can do to help us win. What I really want is to win the championship.”