Carino, Cuntapay ensure San Beda big men have a bright future with Tankoua's departure

  • Nov 25, 2019
  • BASKETBALL
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With the new rule that prohibits foreign student-athletes in the NCAA set to be enforced next season, San Beda has made sure that there wont be a dent in big men now that Donald Tankoua and Arnaud Noah has called it a college career.

The Red Lions enjoyed massive success since the then-aspiring monk Sam Ekwe ended their 28-year drought in 2006, winning all but three titles in the span of thirteen  seasons, and now with both Tankoua and Noah has played their  final game in the country's oldest school league, coach Boyet Fernandez now sets his sight on developing two big men.

In their game 2 Finals win, the four-time champion coach had to scamper for back-up after Donald Tankoua got into foul trouble in the first half.

And to his surprise, Fernandez  got not just one, but two diamonds in the rough when Damie Cuntapay and Kenmark Carino filled the massive shoes of the former Finals MVP as they delivered the goods in thrilling fashion.

Cuntapay got the ball rolling with a banked three in the second for his only points in the contest, with Carino amply contributed for seven as they held firm against the Letran freight train tandem of Larry Muyang and Jeo Ambohot, forcing the series into a decider Tuesday.

Fernandez was quick to praise his back-up centers, as the future of San Beda big man basketball is safe in their hands.

"They’re the future of San Beda. I’m happy that they are stepping up," he said. "I just told them ever since: their time will come. If the opportunity comes, step up."
"Damie stepped up early, Carino finished it. Then eventually, Donald played big also in the end."

Carino was even nervous on what to do since Tankoua got his fourth foul in the fourth, but he was ready to the task at hand to ensure that the Cameroonian will have one final game before he bids farewell to Mendiola.

"Kinakabahan ako, kasi siya [Tankoua] yung main center namin tas bigla akong hinugot ni coach [Boyet]]", he said.


Photo by Gider Malabute/RedEye Photography