Refocused Calisaan leading the way for streaking Stags

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Slowly but surely, Michael Calisaan has been picking up the pieces to perform at his best for San Sebastian.

Still recuperating from a motorcycle accident he suffered before the start of the season, the third-year forward has struggled to find his footing under coach Egay Macaraya in the first round.

But huge victories over Perpetual Help, San Beda and Mapua in the second round seemed to have turned the tides for him, with Calisaan performing admirably on those three wins as he averaged close to a double-double with 12.0 points and 9.6 rebounds.

In Friday’s 69-67 win over the Cardinals, Calisaan had his best game yet with 15 markers and 13 boards as the Stags improved to 4-9.

“Nung first round, medyo may takot pa ako. Nawala din ang tiwala ko sa sarili ko nung first round. Pero ngayon, nawawala na yun dahil tinulungan ako ni coach maibalik yung tiwala sa sarili ko,” he said.

Though he’s still far from his peak form, Calisaan gave his all helping the Golden Stags continue their resurgence after a horrible outing in the first round.

“Hindi pa ako fully recovered. Pag tinatamaan ako o nasasaktan ako, parang nagfa-flashback yung sakit,” he said. “Kanina nasiko ako ni Allwell Oraeme, parang pumasok na naman yung ala-ala nung aksidente.”

But Macaraya is optimistic that soon enough, Calisaan can complete his recovery as San Sebastian eyes to make a late run towards the Final Four.

“Michael is a classic example of us wanting to win. He was focused too much on the accident and the distraction, pero nag-focus sya sa defense and rebounding,” the mentor said. “Good things happen if we play through the distraction.”