Elmer Echavez after his final Cesafi sport and receiving his Legendary 5 plaque. | By Glendale Rosal
CEBU CITY, Philippines — For Elmer Echavez, his journey via the Cebu Faculties Athletic Basis, Inc. CESAFI basketball enviornment led to a mix of victory and regret.
The 25-year-old Talisay Metropolis native, generally known as one of many league’s elite scorers, lately closed the ultimate chapter of his collegiate basketball profession.
Regardless of dealing with numerous challenges, Echavez led the College of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars to a hard-fought third-place end.
READ: Echavez leads USJ-R Jaguars to first win in Cesafi Season 24
In his remaining sport, the veteran participant made certain to depart an unforgettable mark, posting a game-high double-double of 16 factors, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, two steals, and a block — a stat line he had commonly delivered all through his remaining season.
Ending his collegiate profession on a excessive be aware, Echavez earned his second consecutive “Legendary 5” honor on December 7, alongside Finals MVP Raul Gentallan, Benedicto Faculty’s Serge Gabines, UC’s Ray Charles Libatog, and UV’s AJ Sacayan.
READ: CESAFI: USJ-R Jaguars defy odds, declare third place
It was a becoming recognition for a participant who had given a lot to the sport.
CESAFI JOURNEY
But, because the curtain fell on his CESAFI journey, there have been loads of “what-ifs” that weighed on Echavez’s thoughts.
READ: Echavez tows Future Basketball to Subsequent Gen Youth 4 Hoops title
“There are some things I want I may’ve accomplished in a different way, just like the video games we may’ve gained. I remorse that we didn’t get to complete stronger, particularly in my remaining yr,” he stated.
“However regardless of every part, this season was particular to me. We have been undermanned, we had a number of rookies, and we have been a small group. However we fought in opposition to greater squads, and we made it to the Closing 4. I thank God for what we achieved. I’m actually grateful that I used to be capable of be the most effective participant in my final sport.”
In a season riddled with setbacks, the Jaguars confronted their justifiable share of challenges.
Had it not been for final season’s controversy, the place Echavez’s group was disqualified resulting from a teammate’s cast eligibility papers, the story might need been completely different. That controversy derailed their push for a 3rd Legendary 5 award for Echavez, a mark that appeared effectively inside attain.
WEIGHT OF LEADERSHIP
This season, the Jaguars fought valiantly regardless of fielding a group principally made up of rookies. Key veteran gamers have been sidelined resulting from educational points, leaving Echavez to hold the burden of management on his shoulders.
Regardless of these challenges, the Jaguars managed to safe the final spot within the Closing 4, ultimately securing third place with a hard-fought 70-67 victory over the favored Benedicto Faculty Cheetahs.
Nonetheless, as he regarded again on his profession, Echavez can’t assist however surprise in regards to the missed alternatives.
“In the course of the semifinals, we may have made it. We have been so shut. However within the elimination spherical, we have been always adjusting as a result of most of my teammates have been rookies. We have been short-handed, and it was robust. After taking part in in opposition to UC, I spotted we may compete, however we simply didn’t have the depth,” he stated.
CESAFI DEBUT
His CESAFI debut in 2018 had additionally been bittersweet. Again then, Echavez, alongside former USJ-R stars Jaybee Mantilla and Jay-R Dinolan, had guided the Jaguars to the finals. However ultimately, they fell brief in opposition to the UV Inexperienced Lancers.
Regardless of the loss, Echavez holds no regrets. He by no means imagined his dream of changing into a varsity participant would lead him to make such a major impression at USJ-R.
Wanting forward, Echavez is targeted on the long run.
“After graduating with my advertising diploma, I plan to work or, if the chance arises, I’d like to pursue semi-pro basketball. Proper now, I don’t have any provides for the professionals, but when one comes, I’ll seize it. Turning into an expert participant has all the time been my dream, and I’m decided to maintain going,” he shared.
“This Cesafi journey has been filled with challenges, particularly balancing basketball with household,” he added.
For Echavez, his CESAFI journey is perhaps over, however he would absolutely be a job mannequin for his rookie teammates and future Jaguars to persevere regardless of the adversities.
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