AFTER years of being a role player, Ed Daquioag looks to take the reins and lead the Growling Tigers in the upcoming UAAP season.
Daquioag showed potential as being the squad’s new scoring leader after an impressive showing in the 2015 FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup, averaging 20.38 points in eight outings for the undermanned Tigers.
With Karim Abdul, Kevin Ferrer and Renzo Subido unable to play, Daquioag also led the team to the Fr. Martin’s Preseason Cup finals before bowing to a retooled Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
“Walang Kevin Ferrer, walang Karim Abdul, sino pa bang mag-step up kung hindi ako na lang. Ako ang magle-lead sa team na ‘to, kailangan ko mag-take over as of now,” Daquioag said.
With the departure of former team captain Aljon Mariano, Dacquiaog, a fifth-year Business Management major, has embraced the leadership role alongside co-captains Abdul and Ferrer.
“As co-captain, kailangan ko i-lead ‘tong team. Kailangan na naming mag-set ng good example sa mga rookie at sa veterans. Kung maganda ipinapakita mo, syempre susundin ka ng mga kakampi mo,” Daquioag told the Varsitarian.
Judging by his preseason performance, the lanky combo guard has indeed shown a good example, including a 34-point explosion against Centro Escolar University last May 24 and some clutch shooting in their knockout match against De La Salle University last June 6.
Despite his recent emergence as a top-scoring option, Daquioag insisted that he had to remain healthy to continue his good performance for UST. He cited some nagging injuries on his left ankle, wrist and knee which he hoped would no longer bother him come UAAP.
“Last year, on a scale of one to 10, with ten as the highest, masasabi ko na six to seven ‘yung level of pain. Buti na lang nausog ang opening, kaya sa tingin ko okay na ako by September,” he said. Philip Martin L. Matel
