Ambohot returns for Letran but still groping for form

Jeo Ambohot. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Jeo Ambohot is just glad to be back on the hardcourt for Letran.

Playing for the first time since fracturing his right wrist on August 15 in Letran’s game against San Sebastian, the 6-foot-6 center’s entry was a welcome boost for the Knights as they continue their Final Four hunt.

“I’m so excited to play again,” said Ambohot, who gathered eight points, on a 2-of-3 shooting from three, three rebounds, three blocks, and a steal in his 18 minutes on the floor in his return.

However, Letran failed to dent Lyceum’s armor and lost, 81-69, to drop to an even 8-8 card.

Coach Jeff Napa said that it was evident that Ambohot still lacks the timing after a seven-week layoff “because he tires quickly.”

That lack of rhythm showed when Ambohot committed three turnovers in the second quarter, something the sophomore big man attributed to his eagerness to get a piece of the action anew.

“It’s a reason why I committed those miscues, because I’m so excited to play. But when I returned in the third quarter, I followed coach’s words and calmed myself and eventually, I got my confidence back and the shots got falling,” he said.

Napa, though, is willing to treat Ambohot with kid gloves as he expects to have him in his peak form soon.

“We’re not rushing him. We know that he’s a warrior. Even if he’s injured, he will play. Coming to the next game, maybe he’ll be 100-percent,” he said.

For his part, Ambohot has faith in himself that he’ll be better for Letran’s all-important duel against San Beda next Friday.

“I’ll do everything I can, I’ll do my best on what I have to do to be 100-percent. Coach told me that I should get my game back and I need to have my confidence again so that’s what I will do this coming week,” he said.