St. Benilde Blazers’ Will Gozum. –Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—For the third time this NCAA Season 98, Will Gozum has been chosen by the Collegiate Press Corps as the league’s Player of the Week.
Gozum powered the Blazers to two very important wins this week, including one that put the Blazers in the Final Four for the first time in 20 years.
The Blazers clinched their ticket to a playoff appearance with the help of the bruiser, who registered 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in their 83-78 against San Sebastian.
Benilde also went undefeated in three games this week, with the 6-foot-4 averaging a double-double with 17.33 points, 10.33 rebounds, 3.67 assists per game, shooting an efficient 56.16 percent from the field.
The Blazer is close to reaching MVP status but he is more focused on getting his team the all-important twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.
“For now, I don’t want that MVP thing to get into my head because that just gives more pressure. What I really wants is that [twice-to-beat] advantage because it’s one of the biggest steps in reaching the Finals,” he said.
Up next for Benilde is fellow Final Four team San Beda, who is currently on a three-game winning streak.
“Expect us to double our efforts because last round, they (Red Lions) almost got us so we know they won’t give the win so easily this time,” he explained.
Gozum zoomed past teammate Miggy Corteza, San Sebastian’s Itchie Altamirano and Beda’s James Kwekuteye for the award presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and San Miguel Corporation.