MANILA, Philippines—Encho Serrano had been largely a forgotten man in De La Salle’s campaign early in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament.
From being a loud personality in the Green Archers’ bench, Serrano had suddenly become quiet, perplexing head coach Gian Nazario who suspected his guard was going through some troubles outside the basketball floor.
Serrano, though, dispelled Nazario’s fears and said was just frustrated with himself since he hasn’t played to the best of his abilities.
But that all changed when the Green Archers defeated University of Santo Tomas, 92-77.
From playing a support role, Serrano burst through the seams and put up a career-high 29 points on 13-of-22 shooting with five rebounds as La Salle ended the first round with a 3-4 record.
“I admit that I’m really frustrated and I kept asking myself why this was happening,” said Serrano in Filipino Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“But I also started to think that I should prove myself starting in practice and transitioning to the games.”
Serrano averaged 6.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 15.5 minutes for the Green Archers’ first six games but he broke out of that slump against the Growling Tigers.
“The past games were hard for me because I’m not playing that much and my game wasn’t really there,” said Serrano. “I’m the guy who plays around, that’s how I’m known in my team, so I told myself that I just have to focus.”