TURNING a setback into a comeback.
Louie Vigil, the former National Collegiate Athletics Association Juniors Most Valuable Player, is set to make a comeback to the Growling Tigers lineup with a vengeance after missing last season due to academic deficiencies.
The Cainta-native admitted that it was excruciating watching the injury-stricken team struggle to make it to the finals last season before losing to the De La Salle Green Archers in three games.
“It was painful. I wanted to help the team especially when they were suffering in the first round,” the former Jose Rizal Light Bomber said. “I was very frustrated because during the time they needed me, I was not there.”
In a bid to come back strong and ready for Season 77, the 6’3” small forward played in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup last year to gain experience and maturity against tougher competition.
“I played for Blackwater [Sports]. I learned a lot in the D-League because most of the players there can be already considered as veterans. My stint helped me grow as a player and eventually I was rewarded with a championship,” said Vigil. “After that, I knew, I was ready to go back and help the team.”
Raring to bounce back, Vigil shared that he is avoiding distractions that might affect his focus in training, such as going out late and drinking.
He also observes a healthier diet and makes it a point to have enough rest as their training intensifies with the UAAP season fast approaching.
Considered as one of the players that will fill the scoring position vacated by Jeric Teng, Vigil said that he does not feel any pressure, adding that the current team is different from the previous years.
“This team needs total team effort. Everyone must contribute and we are ready to play without Jeric,” he said.
After missing out last year, Vigil is making sure the team can count on him on both sides of the court every game this time.
Considering himself as a veteran, the Asian Studies major is ready to embrace the role as one of the leaders of the España-based cagers.
“I am a quiet person outside the court but during games I’m intense. I am very vocal in the court,” told Vigil. “I want my teammates to feel my presence especially If I did good in a possession.”
Interestingly, Vigil first became a Green Archer before finally donning the black and gold.
He was already playing for De La Salle University in the 2011 FilOil Pre-Season Cup when he decided to transfer to UST.
“I had a problem with the coaches [of DLSU] and I had a minor injury. When coach Pido learned that I am also interested to play for him, he asked me to train for UST,” he said.
Although the Taft-based school was his first option, he considered UST’s quality education for his transfer and a place where he can continue his basketball career.
“Even though money is not that involved here and the offer is not that big, I really wanted to play in UST,” said Vigil.
