La Salle guard Mark Nonoy. – FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Mark Nonoy is grateful to new La Salle coach Topex Robinson for slowly regaining his confidence ahead of his final year of play in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.
Nonoy, a one-time junior MVP and Rookie of the Year while still at the University of Santo Tomas, has felt like he’s experiencing a renaissance as Robinson continues to regain his confidence after a sudden dip in production the past two. the seasons.
“You don’t necessarily stay your coach,” said the 8-foot-8 guard, fighting back tears as the Green Arrows remained undefeated in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. “Tinuruan niya kaming ibalik yung trust namin will say all these years, parang nawala yung trust ko.”
(I am really grateful to the coach. He is teaching me to regain my confidence because I lost my confidence all these years.)
Robinson, who was named coach of the Green Arrows earlier this year, sees an uncanny resemblance in his game, from speed to defensive instincts, to La Carlota, a native of the Negro West.
“And the color too,” joked the former PBA player. “He’s really exciting to watch and I’m really happy to have him.”
The La Salle coach hopes Nonoy will continue to build his confidence, making him one of the best guards in the UAAP today.
“The good thing about Mark is that his confidence is so important. He will make mistakes, but it’s okay to make mistakes. And I tell these guys that if you have a shot, shoot it with confidence. It all boils down to the fact that if they do well, they’ll definitely bring the other guys with them. He is one of our selfless leaders,” Robinson said.
As he plays his final UAAP season, Nonoy is determined to prove his worth and vows not to let his team and the La Salle community down.
“Yung mga kasabayan ko nung Season 82, lahat wala na sa UAAP at nasa ibang bansa na. Similar, mag-focus lang ako at mag-stick ako dito, na yung kulang sa team ibibigay ko,” he said. “It’s good that he’s fighting for his family, his basketball career, and his last playing year.”
(My teammates from season 82 are no longer in the UAAP. They are playing overseas. But for me, I will stay here and focus on my team. I will give my best in my last playing year after all the hardships of my family and basketball career)
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