There's a new kid on the Maroons' block.
Weeks before the 73rd season of University and Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) started, rumors spread about a new Fil-Am recruit who would be a key player for the UP Fighting Maroons.
True enough, he would later on surprise everyone by scoring the most points for the UP team during his UAAP debut.
He is Michael Jeffrey Silungan, or Mike to his friends and teammates.
His early years
Named after basketball legend and his idol Michael Jordan, Silungan said his father first taught him to play basketball when he was three years old.
“It’s my first love, basically,” the rookie said.
He added that he tried other sports but he never really got into any of them. “I just never felt the love for it I guess the way for basketball,” Silungan said.
UAAP
Years later, he decided to go to the Philippines to finish school and to try out for Ateneo Blue Eagles, who already had a full lineup. He was then recruited by Coach Aboy Castro and ended up with UP Fighting Maroons, whom he considers his family here in the Philippines.
“They’re like brothers to me. I mean I see these guys everyday and they treat me like family. So they’re the best thing about the team,” Silungan said.
Asked how his UAAP experience had so far been, “It’s been fun. I’ve been waiting two years for this,” said the Maroons’ shooting guard and forward.
Although he wished the team started off better in the season, Silungan thinks the Maroons have strong rebounds and defense.
“We really, really try hard and practice to really push each other on defense. We’re a really good defensive team,” he said, adding that they also pay attention on their offense.
“Basketball’s a two-way game. Of course our offense is there. We have great leaders on this team. We’re getting there offensively.”
However, Silungan, seen wearing jersey number 21, believes that their biggest endeavor is to close out their games.
“I think we need the energy, the last boost in the fourth quarter to put us over the edge and to actually win the game.”
On a personal note, Silungan, although not the tallest Maroon, is one of the team’s most valuable players. With an average of 13 points-per-game, according to inboundpass.com, he has contributed the most points to the team’s overall score.
In his first game against De La Salle Green Archers alone, he was able to score 17 points, making him the highest scorer of the team together with Woody Co.
Issues
Aside from not being able to bring home the bacon from five straight games, the Maroons also had issues with their coach.
“It does suck that Coach Aboy’s gone. We’re here as a team – the sixteen of us. It doesn’t matter which coach that we have, as long as we’re being disciplined and being pushed, and we’re gonna be a good team,” Silungan said.
Nevertheless, with 9 games left in the season, Silungan is still optimistic that UP can win and even make it to the final four.
“We’re all ready, we’re confident. We’re gonna forget about the 5 losses that we have. Our season starts tomorrow.”
Future plans
Silungan, with three to four more years to play in UAAP, said he would try getting into the business side of basketball such as being a manager and agent for basketball players.
However, his biggest dream is to play professional basketball someday.
“I’m gonna keep playing until my legs don’t work anymore, or can’t shoot anymore. Basketball’s gonna be my life for the next ten, twenty years.”
