While in third grade, Gian Mamuyac fell in love with the game of basketball. A Physical Education session at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong tipped-off a career that has put the gifted prospect on the map.
His long list of athletic milestones includes a University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 77 Juniors championship, Milcu Got Skills Elite Showcase 25-under division championship, UAAP Season 80 Seniors championship.
He is also remembered as the one who successfully blocked both two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ben Mbala, and two-time National Basketball Association MVP Steph Curry.
“[I’ve always wanted to play for the Ateneo college team because] the values and lessons I learned from my stay in the Ateneo High School were a big part of who I was entering college, and [is a big part of] who I am today. Plus, donning the Blue and White will always be a privilege for anyone, that’s why when I was given a chance to represent its name, I didn’t hesitate,” says Mamuyac.
However, reaching that goal was not a walk in the park. He shares that he spent every summer of his high school life sweating and grinding on the court, six hours a day, seven days a week, for three months. Fortunately, his hard work paid off as he spent his first year of college as part of Ateneo’s Team Glory Be which helped him continue to grow even more as a player.
“Coming out of high school, Team Glory Be introduced me to college basketball,” says Mamuyac. “My whole stay in Team Glory Be allowed me to adjust to how college ball is played. Another is that I was able to get enough confidence as we were able to win the championship in the Got Skills Tournament.”
Despite his full year of experience on the collegiate court, Mamuyac still felt the nerves that any rookie would as he stepped foot in the UAAP for the first time as a Blue Eagle. The sophomore was taken aback in his first few games, not realizing the magnitude and intensity of the league.
With little room for error, Mamuyac struggled to find a comfortable rhythm early in Season 80.
“I was still adjusting,” Mamuyac shares. “I just trusted myself, my teammates and, the whole coaching staff because I knew that they believed in me.”
This faith went a long way as Mamuyac proved to be a vital member of the Blue Eagles as they climbed to the top of the collegiate ladder. “I just focused on doing my job and what the team needed me to do.”
Winning the championship in his rookie year gave Mamuyac a sense of confidence and initiative that will aid in the Blue Eagles’ back-to-back championship run in Season 81. Mamuyac is eager to get back to work and continue to hone his skills on the court.
“I’ve been working out these past few days trying to get ready for the off-season camp, which will start mid-January [2018] according to Coach Tab [Baldwin]. I will try my best to bulk up and gain weight so that I’ll be able to guard until the four and hopefully [the] five position.”
