UP Fighting Maroons’ Mark Gil Belmonte (#13). –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines has such a loaded line-up for UAAP Season 86, but it was an unsung hero that helped the Fighting Maroons win the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Mark Gil Belmonte, a wing in such a forward-packed UP lineup, cleared the lanes and turned in a statement game with 18 points to give the Fighting Maroons the preseason title after defeating La Salle, 87-76, last Wednesday.
With a plethora of high-profile recruits for UP, Belmonte admitted that he is not confident that he will crack the Goldwin Monteverde’s rotation at the moment.
Instead, he is just making the most out of the opportunities given to him.
“I’m not that confident yet [for the team]. I just did my part to help the team, I just really did the best I could. All I did was just bring what they needed,” Belmonte said in Filipino.
Monteverde, meanwhile, also left no promises nor answer whether he would include Belmonte in the team’s final roster come UAAP Season 86 but he said that he has always known the 6-foot-5’s potential.
“I’ve always seen his potential. He had his struggles in our tournaments but he has a character that he got from the team, which is to never stop,” told the top coach at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
“He has off games but he keeps going. I’m very happy for Mark. Whatever he’s been working on showed up for us here today.”
Belmonte saved his best for last as he only posted norms of 6.9 points and 2.4 boards in approximately 12 minutes in 12 games for UP.