Agem Miranda repaid the trust he was given by Jose Rizal University head coach Louie Gonzales by leading the team and dropping 21 points in their 83-80 victory against San Beda in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
"Sobrang thankful ako kay coach kahit na minsan nagtu-turnover ako sa dulo ng game, 'yong trust ni coach 'di nagbabago sakin," said Miranda, who added three rebounds and three assists.
The veteran forward, in return as well, only committed a single turnover in the Heavy Bombers recent win, something that Gonzales also pointed out in terms of the squad's maturity.
"Sinabi lang ni coach na pumunta lang ako sa sistema, darating din 'yong score sa akin," added Miranda.
Gonzales, for his part, said there is more to come for his young team as most members of his roster are still in their third years and there will be at least two more years for them to hone themselves in the collegiate scene.
The Covid-19 pandemic may have slowed down the Bombers' progress but Season 98 proved that the squad is starting to show its deadly form.
JRU is currently tied with San Beda, sharing identical 4-2 records, and is just behind top teams College of St. Benilde and Lyceum, which both have 5-1 slates.
"As expected, alam kong later on magma-mature 'yong mga katawan nitong mga players ko, titigas na 'tong mga players ko," added Gonzales.
"But more importantly, 'yong mental toughness nila kasi ms marami nang games. Mas matututo sila."
The Bombers are set to face the Pirates on Friday, Oct. 7, in their 3 p.m. encounter at the same venue.