#FilOil2019: Caracut, Nonoy prove that rookies and vets mix well in the All Star game

SAN JUAN -- The All Star Game in the FilOil FlyingV Preseason Cup last May 31 gave a glimpse to the newbies playing with the grizzled vets in the college game.

Case in point, UST's firebrand freshman Mark Nonoy and La Salle's senior shooter Andrei Caracut. The duo teamed up in the 86-83 win over their NCAA counterparts as they get reliable performances to lift their squad to a huge win.

For the former Red Cub, he was just happy to be here.

"Masaya na rin, na kasama ko yung mga kaaway ko sa UAAP," Caracut said with laughter after his 12-point output that got him the nod for the MVP of the All Star game.

Although there was no pressure from any one of them, he just treated the spectacle like a normal basketball game.

"Gusto lang namin talaga manalo, inayos lang namin," he then added.

Furthermore, Caracut admitted that he's getting used to not playing with former teammate, now UP Fighting Maroon Ricci Rivero, who did not play despite being selected as one of the starters owing to a nagging injury.

"Pero feeling ko kung naglaro yun, nakakamiss yun."

On the other side of the fence, Nonoy only played in the fourth and final frame, as he just came from España to march on his high school graduation.

But the lefty from Negros Occidental did not mind about the lack of warm-up, as he duly brought 8 points and three rebounds.

"He's really a jitterbug," said coach Franz Pumaren. "He still got the opportunity and he played well."

Being the lone rookie in the squad was a huge learning curve for Nonoy, having starred in the NBTC's edition of the All Star festivities just two months ago.

And as he tangled with the more experienced players in the higher level, he was only reminded of one thing.

"Pagpasok ko sa court, iniisip ko na parehas lang kami", he said after the game. "Pag nasa court ka, go hard ka talaga para makatulong sa team."

(photo by FilOil FlyingV Sports)