‘Confident’ Art Roque set for big role for Perpetual Help come NCAA Season 99

Perpetual Help’s Art Roque leads Altas past FEU Tamaraws. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—A revamped Perpetual Help squad will be headlined by Art Roque in the upcoming NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament, coach Myk Saguiguit said.

After the Altas’ close win over Far Eastern University in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals, 74-73, Saguiguit lauded second year forward Art Roque for his tremendous outing.

“He’s (Roque) in his second year now. He even plays like this is already the season but no this is just the preseason. Hopefully, though, he does not stop improving himself,” the head tactician said.

“He’s going to play a very big role here (for Altas) for NCAA Season 99.”

Roque top-scored for Perpetual Help with 27 points while also snagging six rebounds in the process.

Despite being a big man, Roque showed his versatility in shooting, registering 72.7 from the field (8-for-11) while going perfect from the charity stripe in nine attempts.

Roque thanked Saguiguit for his trust by showing up big when it mattered most but revealed he is not crumbling under pressure.

“Big thanks to coach because he really gives me this type of exposure. There is pressure,” said the forward.

“Pero mayabang ako, e (But I’m confident.).”

In the preseason, Roque is posting norms of 13.4 markers and 4.9 boards per outing.