MANILA, Philippines — Aside from showcasing his shooting prowess, including his unorthodox shooting skills, including that captivating floater from beyond the arc, former Batang Gilas team captain and newest San Sebastian sensation Migs Pascual has also been unraveling his leadership skills for the Stags in the ongoing NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Regarded as a potent offensive threat in the guard spot, Pascual showed leadership qualities and several times deliberately took a backseat by giving his teammates good looks to the basket.
Against Arellano where they won 88-75 a few days ago, Pascual didn’t make any attempt from the field, concentrating on setting up the plays for his teammates as six players produced eight points or more for the Stags.
Leading the way for the Stags were Tristan Felebrico, who had a double-double game of 17 points and 10 boards. Nikko Aguilar added 16 markers, Reggz Gabat had 12, Reymart Escobido produced 10 and Polo Gabat and Maliwalt had nine and eight points, respectively for San Sebastian.
Martin Antonio, who worked as analyst during that game, acknowledged how Pascual was able to keep ahold of his team with his leadership and exceptional playmaking, giving emphasis on the quality of passes he had been giving to his teammates.
“Once he throws a pass, parating sakto sa (it’s so accurate hitting the) shooting pocket,” said Antonio. “(You can see how) Kita mo kung gaano ka-crispy yung pasa. It’s so nice to see if (your) yung mga guards mo can swing that ball at nasa (within) the shooting pocket na.”
“He was making extra passes, giving opportunities to his teammates. Those were crispy passes.”
But more than the court vision and efficient basketball sense, Pascual’s leadership was also very much visible and although he’s been playing his first season with San Sebastian after sitting out last year to comply with the league’s residency rule, the do-it-all guard was seen huddling his team on midcourt each time there’s a dead ball.
Pascual had shown his ability to produce points, performed the role as a good facilitator and displayed his leadership skills. The future looks bright for this young man. TMT
