Published October 22, 2023 8:43pm
Updated October 22, 2023 8:43pm
In a league the place guards dominate more often than not, Clifford Jopia reveals he belongs.
The towering 6-foot-8 massive man for San Beda University let everybody know that when he churned out a double-double outing of 11 factors and 11 rebounds alongside two assists to assist the Red Lions pull off an 86-72 win in opposition to Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday.
Head coach Yuri Escueta was essentially the most completely happy in regards to the efficiency of his massive man.
“Malaking bagay for us na nakaka-contribute si Cliff sa amin at na nate-take advantage niya height niya, especially sa NCAA na ballgame ng guards kasi mabilisan,” Escueta stated.
“Ang challenge talaga sa kanya is to be able to dominate as a big kasi if hindi ka maka-dominate sa rebounding and sa ring protection, wala kang advantage against the fast-paced teams.”
(It was a giant factor that Cliff was in a position to contribute to us and he took benefit of his top, particularly within the NCAA the place the ballgame of guards are quick. The problem is to have the ability to dominate as a giant as a result of if you cannot dominate in rebounding and ring safety, there is not any benefit in opposition to the fast-paced groups)
Prior to that, Jopia was solely averaging 3.57 markers, 4.57 boards, and 0.86 dimes.
But regardless that his bruiser struggled within the early a part of the event, Escueta stated they stored their religion in Jopia.
“Good thing about him is even though nag-struggle siya nung start ng season, of course may times na nada-down siya, but he tried to pick himself up and stay positive,” Escueta added.
“‘Yung teammates niya were always there behind him, telling him that they believe in him. Importante kasi ‘yung trust from the teammates and eventually, nakuha rin ni Cliff ‘yung confidence niya.”
(Good factor about him is regardless that he struggled within the begin of the season, after all, there have been instances he was down, however he tried to choose himself up and keep constructive. His teammates have been at all times there behind him, telling him that they imagine in him. Trust from teammates is necessary and ultimately, Cliff acquired his confidence.)
Jopia is utilizing this season as his preparation for the skilled ranks after being drafted by Blackwater within the PBA.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
