MANILA – Negrense guard Mark Nonoy is mum about his future after helping De La Salle University Green Archers clinch UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball championship with a 73-69 Game 3 win over University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
According to Nonoy, he plans to return back to La Carlota City, Negros Occidental first before deciding whether he will try his luck in the PBA or entertain possible overseas offers.
“Siguro kailangan ko muna magpahinga. Ito baby ko, kailangan ko munang bigyan ng atensyon kasi almost halfway hindi kami nagkikita, hindi kami nagsasama,” Nonoy said in a post-game interview.
“Baka next year, tignan ko na lang kung anong plan ko for next year,” added the former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers guard.
The 22-year-old Nonoy is on his second UAAP championship appearance after falling short during his rookie year with the UST in 2019 after losing to Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
After his rookie year with the Growling Tigers, the former Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix star has opted to transfer to the Green Archers during the pandemic following the departure of head coach Aldin Ayo from UST.
According to the Negrense guard, he is glad to end his collegiate career with a championship even if it came at the expense of former UST teammate and close friend, CJ Cansino.
“Kami ni CJ, kahit papano, nag-uusap pa rin kami. Nandun pa rin ‘yung friendship namin off the court. Pero on the court talaga sabi ko, ito na ‘yung time ko,” said the 5-foot-8 shooting guard.
“Nabigyan ako ng opportunity na makapaglaro sa finals, at kahit na natalo kami nung Game One, hindi kami nawalan ng pag-asa na makabawi sa Game Two at sa Game Three,” he added.
“Alam ko ayaw din magpatalo ni CJ kasi last year niya na din pero siguro ito na ‘yung tamang time para sa akin,” said Nonoy, who produced eight points, three rebounds, and three steals for DLSU in Game 3./PN
