JP Calvo’s end to his collegiate career couldn’t have been any more bitter.
Third seed Letran got blown out of Final Four contention in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament, bowing to Lyceum, 109-85.
Making it worse was Calvo was left helpless in the crucial stage of the game as he fell to injury just 16 seconds into the second half.
READ: JP Calvo third-quarter injury dooms Letran to NCAA Final 4 exit
While he was able to return to the game for a few moments, it was a lost cause as head coach Jeff Napa chose to rest his star point guard in his final game for the school.
“I really wanted to return to the game, I wanted to play for Letran, but coach Jeff told me to not force it,” said Calvo in Filipino Friday at Filoil Flying V Center. “This is my last year, I won’t be here next year.”
Calvo suffered a high ankle sprain on his left knee after an accidental collision with Lyceum center Mike Nzeusseu when the two dove for a loose ball.
Napa said he could’ve made Calvo play some more but he knew the point guard would have a future outside of the collegiate ranks.
READ: Lyceum destroys Letran to return to NCAA finals
“He’s the best point guard right now in the NCAA and the UAAP,” said Napa in Filipino. “I don’t want to abrupt his career. I just have to appreciate what he’s done.”
Calvo, who became an NCAA champion in 2015 under then head coach Aldin Ayo, said he wanted to bring back Letran’s tradition of ending seasons as the champion.
And with his early exit, he wants the Knights of future years to add on the 17 titles in Letran’s halls.
“I want to replicate Letran’s tradition of being the champion,” said Calvo who finished with nine points and three assists before leaving. “I told those who will be left to cherish this loss because this is what will fuel them to be stronger next year.”