Red Cub MJ Vailoces looks up to fellow Bedan Calvin Oftana

Published February 23, 2024 10:40pm

Updated February 23, 2024 10:40pm

MJ Vailoces has been showing his talents in the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament, being one of the leaders in San Beda University’s campaign.

In just five games, Vailoces already posted averages of 15.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 steals. In his first game in the league, he already had 22 points which is currently his career-high.

Asked about his motivations in playing, Vailoces said that aside from his family, he was inspired by fellow Bedan and former NCAA Most Valuable Player Calvin Oftana.

“Gusto ko po kasi maging successful kagaya ni Calvin Oftana. Galing siya sa baba, tapos ngayon nasa taas na,” Vailoces told GMA News Online.

“‘Yun ang motivation ko para magsikap pa rin para makabawi ako sa parents ko na nag-support sa akin.”

(I want to be successful like Calvin Oftana. He started from the bottom, now he’s on the top. He is my motivation to work hard, aside from returning the favor to my parents who supported me.)

According to the Grade 11 Dumaguete native, it was also Oftana who recommended him to try out in San Beda.

“Kakampi niya po ‘yung tatay ko sa Dumaguete noon kaya magkaibigan silang dalawa. Siya ‘yung tumulong sa akin para makapunta rito sa San Beda.”

(My father and him were teammates in Dumaguete before that’s why they’re still friends. He helped me bring here to San Beda.)

Rookie mistakes aside, San Beda coach Miko Roldan praised Vailoces’ performance, along with Drei Lorenzo, who have been the leaders of the Red Cubs.

“Consistent naman sila, I’m very happy with their output, ‘yung leadership nila sa loob. Kailangan lang namin ng mag-step up aside from those two,” Roldan said.

(They are consistent. I’m very happy with their output and leadership on the court. We just need others to step up aside from those two.)

San Beda now has three wins and two losses in the tournament.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News