Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Rey Nambatac has a knack for hitting big shots and the Letran star scored on another one just recently when he put a social media basher in his place.
The basher took a swipe at Nambatac on Twitter and the dynamic guard took notice.
Nambatac challenged to a game of one-on-one and even offered to pay for the Twitter troll’s fare to Letran.
Photo screengrabbed from Rey Nambatac’s Twitter account
“Sometimes, you really have to speak up and let them know that what they are saying are wrong,” explained the 23-year-old.
“They don’t know how hard our situations are, especially in practice because we really put our blood, sweat, and tears there and you hear people saying those hurtful stuff. Of course, I was offended. That’s why I responded to him.”
But Nambatac’s best rebuttal was when he let his game do the talking, scoring 25 points on a 4-of-7 clip from three and collecting nine rebounds and three assists to lead Letran over Arellano in do-or-die,
Not only did he silence the doubter with his stellar play, but he also kept the Knights’ season alive and help the team become relevant again as it continues its run in the NCAA Season 93 stepladder semifinals.
“For me, it’s good that people are noticing us again, but we cannot be satisfied because that’s not just our goal. Our goal is to show that Letran is still here fighting and competing,” he said.
Letran will have to go through a grueling stretch just to make a return trip to the finals. The Knights take on the San Sebastian Stags next in their second playoff for the fourth spot.
If they win on Tuesday, they go into a knockout game versus third seed JRU, then another do-or-die against No. 2 San Beda, before arranging a championship duel against top-seed Lyceum.
Nambatac doesn’t want to get too ahead of himself as he relishes the chance on playing at his best in these desperate situations.
“For me, every game is a crucial game. It’s my last year and the challenges are just getting harder and harder, but I’m happy because this will toughen me up to be more mature. These are the moments where my maturity and leadership will come out and be tested,” he said.