College of St. Benilde’s Tony Ynot during the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Playing behind the likes of James Kwekuteye and Jacob Cortez, Tony Ynot didn’t really get enough opportunity to show what he’s truly capable of during his time at San Beda.
It took just the first game of NCAA Season 100 for Ynot to have his time to shine and prove his worth at College of St. Benilde.
Ynot delivered the big baskets down the stretch to seal the Blazers’ opening win over Mapua on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: NCAA: San Beda, Benilde victorious in Season 100 opening
“To be honest, I didn’t know he was this good,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.
“Actually with Beda, we focused more on James (Kwekuteye) and (JB) Bahio. I didn’t really think he was that good because in our time, all I remember with him was he got cramps in the first half.”
Ynot did a little bit of everything for the Blazers, collecting nine points, five rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
“I trust him a lot, he’s had a lot of experience so at the end of the game, you want your best players to make the decision for you,” said Tiu.
READ: NCAA: Tagged as contender, ‘hungrier’ Benilde ready to compete
After taking the backseat with the Red Lions, Ynot showed he has what it takes to run the show with the Blazers, who lost their trio of guards in Migs Oczon, Robi Nayve and Prince Carlos after last season.
And while Tiu was surprised by Ynot’s performance, Gab Cometa, who also transferred from San Beda to Benilde, saw it coming.
“Me, I trust him so much because we’ve been together from Cebu to San Beda [to here]. I trust him a lot,” said Cometa, who was also instrumental in the Blazers’ win after dropping 17 points.