NU’s Reinhard Jumamoy.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Reinhard Jumamoy showed what he is capable of with his breakout game in National University’s win over defending champion Ateneo in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Jumamoy, who played limited action in the first round and missed the Bulldogs’ previous loss to La Salle last week due to a sprained ankle, made the most of his extended playing time with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting to go with three assists and two rebounds.
The rookie guard, who sank the first eight of his 10 shots, was eager to step up for senior guard Steve Nash Enriquez who continues to recover from surgery on his jaw.
“We lost Kuya Nash and this is for him. He is a big loss for our team because he’s one of our leaders and we look up to him,” said Jumamoy in Filipino after NU’s 65-61 victory. “I just trusted coach and grabbed the opportunity given to me.”
“I’m just thankful because my shots were falling. I thank everyone for their trust and for giving the green light [to shoot]. It was a huge [confidence boost] for me as a rookie,” he added.
Reinhard Jumamoy.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
National University coach Jeff Napa knew that the Season 85 juniors Most Valuable Player out of Nazareth School would step up when it mattered most and prove his worth once he gets a chance.
“Kahit naman ano yan, alam ko ang kakayanan niyan eh. Tahimik lang, pero yun nga, meron at merong ibibigay. Siguro, nakaligtaan lang ng mga kalaban namin kung sino si Jumamoy, pero kami, alam namin kung sino siya,” said Napa. “Kaya nga binubulyawan namin yan pag nahihiya, ayaw mag-take charge.”
The 19-year-old Jumamoy vows to continue to stay ready for NU as it tries to secure a Final Four spot and a twice-to-beat edge with an 8-2 record in second place.
“We will continue to work. We won’t be contented until we get our goal,” he said.