UAAP: With memory of his dad in mind, Vhoris Marasigan flourishes

MANILA, Philippines—The legend of rookie Vhoris Marasigan may have found its starting point on Saturday but not every protagonist has a pleasant beginning to their own story.

In La Salle’s first game of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament’s second round, the Green Archers were put on an immediate collision course with first-round tormentor University of the East.

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SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

La Salle looked to be in trouble again on Saturday with its reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao feeling under the weather. Scrambling to find someone to provide a boost, Topex Robinson plucked Vhoris Marasigan out of the bench.

Marasigan thne proved his coach made the right decision by giving La Salle a big lift.

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Vhoris Marasigan on providing quality minutes for La Salle. #UAAPSeason87 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/2Irr9oKqhg

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 12, 2024

“I felt heavy when I woke up earlier but I just told myself, ‘maybe if I sweat it out, I’ll be okay,’” said Marasigan in an interview with Inquirer Sports.

“Coach Topex (Robinson) suddenly picked me but I’m always ready. I always want to go out there and show my talent.”

Marasigan did just that collecting nine points, five rebounds a steal, just enough to help La Salle zoom past UE, 77-68, to stay on top with a 7-1 card.

READ: UAAP: La Salle gets back at UE to stretch win streak to four

At the end of the game, when Marasigan, Robinson and Phillips faced the media for the post-game conference, people expected Marasigan to be in high spirits.

Yet, instead of smiling after the squad’s win, Marasigan wore a focused gaze like the game still wasn’t over.

He barely cracked a smile.  Then, in the middle of interviews, tears welled up from Marasigan’s eyes.

Family in mind

Marasigan was reminded of his beginnings with La Salle when he was just trying to crack the lineup bolstered by the likes of  Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle and CJ Austria.

In hopes of making his family proud, Marasigan remained steadfast and worked his way into the Season 87 roster.

But before he could even step on the court in the UAAP, a tragedy struck that made him question his future in the sport where he hoped he could mark with his own legend.

Marasigan’s father suffered what would end up being a fatal heart attack while watching he was watching his son and  the Green Archers beat Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in the PBA D-League in April.

READ: Pressure is key for La Salle’s improvement, says Topex Robinson

“Back then, I was playing in the PBA D-League and it was our last game before the semifinals. My dad was watching and when he went to the bathroom, he suddenly had a heart attack,” said Marasigan in Filipino, vividly recalling what happened.

“He was just there, watching TV. My mom called me and told me my dad was in the hospital. The next day, my dad didn’t make it,” he added.

Marasigan felt so helpless that he thought of quitting his whole career.

READ: UAAP: Relationships making things work at La Salle

But that’s not what his father would’ve wanted.

“I asked myself if I should continue my playing career or not. My mom told me to keep pushing. Whatever dreams my dad had for me, I should just go and continue,” he said.

“My mind was so blurry back then but my family and relatives told me to keep going so I could achieve what my dad had dreamt up for me.”

Slowly but surely, Marasigan is slowly marking his name in La Salle’s record books but the one way he could immortalize himself and his father’s dreams is if he wins a UAAP title during his collegiate career.

While he has ample time to achieve that, all Marasigan wants to for bow is prove himself for him, his father and his family.

“I told myself that every time I’d be picked by coach Topex, I’ll do my best in everything because my family is always on my mind for every game,” he said.

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