John Vic de Guzman and the rest of the national men’s pool played as though it was a championship match in the Clash of Heroes on Monday night at the Fil Oil Flying V Center in San Juan.
De Guzman, who recently led the DLSU-CSB Blazers to their first National Collegiate Athletic Association crown, displayed excellent skills worthy of a slot in the men’s national team.
“This is a once in a lifetime experience na madadala ko hanggang pagtanda ko, magiging history sa buhay ko na hindi mapapalitan ng kahit na sino at ng kahit na anong bagay,” De Guzman said who was also picked as team captain ahead of the announcement of the official lineup.
The teams fought to a five-setter game that looked more like a do-or-die game more than a fund-raising event.
“Kasi hindi na ‘to collegiate eh. Kumbaga, Philippines na ‘yung nirerepresent natin. Kung makikita ng ibang tao n ahindi kami maging competitive. Siyempre, nakakahiya ‘di ba?”
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De Guzman scored 19 to lead the Blue Rajah to a 25-27, 25-23, 25-19, 18-25, and 15-9 against Red Lakan piloted by Bryan Bagunas who scored 24.
Head coach Sammy Acaylar even cited Bagunas, who did not attend practices as he was too busy with the Bulldog’s campaign on the UAAP, but managed to show up in the Clash of Heroes, an event that served as the final phase of the national tryouts.
“They are willing to give themselves up for the country,” added Acaylar, who practically shut the door on those who never showed up.
“Kumbaga, tapos na yung patience ko sa kanila,” he said. “During our practice, sometimes hindi sila nag-eensayo . I understand dahil marami silang liga. Iniintindi ko lahat ‘yun, but this is the most important, na mabigay nila yung best nila.”
“Ibig sabihin, hindi talaga sila naka-commit for the country. So, bakit hihintayin pa natin sila?” he asked.
From the 24 players who attended the said exhibition game, 18 will be chosen to be a part of the national pool. These players will then battle for the 12 spots on the national team that will be sent to the Malaysia Southeast Asian Games in August. Anthonette Capco
