UAAP: Robinson hopes rookie Tovera never loses his childlike wonder
MANILA – Joaquin Tovera has shown maturity beyond his years during his rookie campaign for the DLSU Green Archers in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball tournament.
The young guard has been stepping up for the green and white with timely plays and huge baskets in crucial moments, particularly in their heated clashes against rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles.
During their first round meeting, DLSU head coach Topex Robinson noted how Tovera was calm before the rivalry game, seemingly unfazed by the pressure that comes with classic rivalry matches.
Robinson said it was the same story even ahead of their second round clash against the Blue Eagles, with Tovera maintaining the same composed demeanor.
“I was just observing him. He was using the board, the coach’s board. And I asked him, ‘Are you taking away my job?’ But when I looked at the coaching board, he was drawing. We have a vampire in our dugout, so that’s our energy vampire. So he was just drawing that vampire,” he shared during the post-game press conference.
“So I was like, ‘Do you know how important this game is again?’ I just mentioned this, he said, ‘Yes coach, but I love to draw.’ And we talked about hopefully he stays young. You know, he doesn’t feel that pressure and just enjoy,” Robinson added.
For Robinson, Tovera’s ability to enjoy the game without getting caught up in expectations is something he hopes the rookie will carry throughout his career.
The DLSU mentor wants his young guard to keep his childlike wonder and carefree approach to basketball, knowing that he has the support of his older teammates.
“We hope that Joaquin stays to be that young guy that just enjoys basketball, you know, doesn’t care what the ramifications of what he does. And we’re just so fortunate that he has a good support system with these guys. And every time he makes a mistake, you’ll always see one of them trying to pacify him,” Robinson said.
“He’s just enjoying it with just purity and just having so much fun, even if he was making those mistakes. But those are the things that we always tell him to cherish because, you know, it doesn’t happen all the time,” he explained.
DLSU veterans JC Macalalag and Mason Amos were all praises for their young teammate’s growth, particularly his ability to answer the call when they need him most.
“I think it’s his composure that really stands out the most. How he’s able to stay poised under pressure. And time and time again, he tends to deliver for us. As a kuya, I’m really proud of him,” Amos said.
“I’m proud of his efforts. I’m proud of him not getting emotional when things get rough for him. And he just keeps moving forward. And that’s something that I can really say about Joaquin. He’s very super humble. He’s down to earth and he’s a great teammate too,” he added.
Macalalag also praised Tovera for keeping his emotions in check when things do not go his way, highlighting his maturity even as a rookie.
“I’m happy with Joaquin’s improvement. These past three games were huge for us. Sobrang laki ng impact niya sa team. And I just try to remind him of what he can do and support him,” he said.
“Being able to facilitate sa team and control the tempo at young age is malaki yung room for improvement for him, there is potential,” he said.
Tovera remains grateful for the trust and support of his teammates despite his rookie mistakes, making his transition to the collegiate level much easier.
“You know, they’re my brothers, you know. I made a mistake, and they just tell me next play, like if I do bad or if I do great you know, they’re still there,” he said.
Instead of chasing personal recognition, Tovera remains focused on contributing to the team’s success and doing whatever is necessary to help La Salle win.
“It’s not really trying to be the best player. I’m just trying to be the best player for the team to win the game. Just doing what’s best for the team,” he said.