MANILA – For NLEX Road Warriors assistant coach Emman Monfort, homesickness is just a phase in life provincial student-athletes need to get over when they try their luck in Metro Manila.
In an interview with Sports LANG podcast, Monfort said he knows the struggle of these student-athletes since he underwent the same phase the time he moved to Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles from Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
“After you get over the hump, makakasanayan mo na din,” Monfort said. “Ang maipapayo ko lang is they should keep themselves busy, have new friends and make connections.”
“Gusto ko noon umuwi kasi I feel uncomfortable here in Manila. If you feel homesick, just pray a lot and call your families more often,” he added.
Monfort finished his five years in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with Ateneo and played for eight years in the Philippine Basketball Association with Barako Bull, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, Phoenix Fuel Masters, and the Road Warriors.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay (former Blue Eagles head) coach Norman (Black) dahil kinuha niya ako not because of my height, but maybe because of my heart for the game,” Monfort said. “I think beyond the height disadvantage, nakita ng coaches how I influence the game.”/PN
