Mapua Cardinals guard Clint Escamis.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Mapua will undoubtedly turn to Clint Escamis for leadership in the upcoming NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Escamis won Rookie of the Year and MVP last year, giving him a ton of responsibility following a finals run with the Cardinals in Season 99.
Now with a relatively younger team, Escamis is looking to do something he hasn’t done before in Mapua, which is to be the quintessential leader of the squad.
READ: NCAA: Clint Escamis braces for tougher challenge in NCAA Season 100
#NCAASeason99 Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis talks about Mapua’s chances of winning the big one in Season 100. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/LiPHXTFBBS
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 3, 2024
“I’m new to this role, especially as a leader now that Boni (Warren Bonifacio) isn’t here anymore,” said Escamis on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Now, they’re listening to me and the others because we’re older plus we have the experience. I think only six of us from last season are still here so we’re trying to instill that we have to win and finish that unfinished business.”
Escamis and the Cardinals were one win away from ending the school’s title drought last season before falling to San Beda in the finals.
Aside from Warren Bonifacio, Mapua also lost another key cog in Paolo Hernandez.
But despite their absence, Escamis believes the Cardinals are heading into the new season with a more talented crew.
“Last season, our number one strength was our team chemistry. This season, our pieces are more talented. We have more talents and more components.”
READ: Future is ‘bright’ for NCAA runners up Mapua Cardinals
The biggest addition for Mapua is rookie big man Chris Hubilla.
Hubilla, who had been on quite the ride with different schools after his stint with San Beda in the NCAA juniors division, is locked in on helping the Cardinals.
Escamis is optimistic that Hubilla can fill that void in the middle for Mapua following the departure of Bonifacio.
“He’s such a big thing for us, especially coming off his high school stint and training with UP. He has amazing energy, especially on the defensive side.”
“He’s the type of player without an attitude. He listens.”
Hubilla posted 18.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals for the Red Cubs in Season 98.
Mapua begins its Season 100 bid against College of St. Benilde on Saturday.