Enoch Valdez.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines—Enoch Valdez might’ve had a grand exit for Lyceum after being the anchor of the squad for a number of years.
However a loss to San Beda within the NCAA Season 99 Last 4 abruptly halted his collegiate profession, denying the Pirates a visit to the finals.
Nonetheless, Valdez mentioned he has no regrets as he wrapped up his collegiate profession.
“I’ve no regrets. I did my half and defended their star participant (Jacob Cortez) and I additionally did my scoring, what else might I do?” Valdez mentioned in jest after their 82-72 loss over the Crimson Lions at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
“Iinom na lang ako mamaya. (I’ll simply drink later.)”
Valdez saved his finest for final with 28 factors, seven rebounds and two steals, all whereas flaunting effectivity from the sphere with a 50 % capturing clip.
However what he was most happy with was his protection towards Crimson Lions star Jacob Cortez.
After Cortez scored 28 factors in San Beda’s 89-68 decimation of the Pirates in Recreation 1, the third-year swingman was restricted to solely seven measly factors within the deciding recreation.
That wasn’t sufficient, although, as San Beda’s function gamers did their half to assist the Lions march again to the Finals for the primary time since 2019.
Enoch Valdez.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
Sadly for Valdez, the opposite Pirates couldn’t do the identical.
“When my scoring slid down, I don’t know what occurred. Perhaps they bought rattled with the group plus the added stress as a result of for the others, that is actually their first time. It’s for expertise now and that’s okay,” defined the PBA-bound ahead.
Now that he’s formally signed with NLEX, the staff that chosen him on this 12 months’s draft, Valdez bared that he wished to instill one thing constructive within the remaining Pirates like JM Bravo, Shawn Umali and John Barba.
On the finish of the day, it’s reciprocation since Valdez, himself, is bringing one thing imparted to him by Gilbert Malabanan’s system.
“At first of the preseason, I all the time take an additional exercise at 4 am. That made a mark for them as a result of I’m not likely that proficient. I get my outcomes with onerous work. That’s what I hope to go away behind for them.”
“I’ll carry my coronary heart for the sport over to the skilled stage. The mentality that no matter occurs, even when I’m dropping, so long as I do my half, I’ll do it.”
Now, sky is the restrict for the athletic swingman as he strikes on to the massive league with the Highway Warriors.
His assist shall be sorely wanted by coach Frankie Lim as they’re going through a roster dilemma following franchise participant Kevin Alas’ ACL harm.
However apart from strutting his stuff within the execs, Valdez can also be excited to play towards his fellow Lycean CJ Perez of San Miguel Beer.
“I’m so excited for that. I need to defend him. Simply imagining your idol and older brother as your opponent then getting a steal off of him and dunking it, that should really feel so good,” mentioned a giddy Valdez.
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Lyceum can nonetheless notch a podium end following the newly-implemented battle-for-third match after they face Faculty of St. Benilde on December 10 however Valdez bared that he received’t be enjoying in that recreation anymore.