Photo by Patrick Romero/ The Lance.
Letran’s new double-double machine Ato Ular is starting to make a name of his own and fans are starting to notice his in-game antics.
The six-foot-four pride of Tarlac City has been turning heads with his stellar play for Letran, which was highlighted with a game-saving block on Emilio Aguinaldo College's Renz Gonzales.
Ular quickly made it to the headlines of different sports outlets and his photos sparked interest to fans.
#NCAASeason95 Ato Ular, Letran survive furious EAC rally for fourth win >> https://t.co/pFYvTChemZ | Powered by @LiveSmart pic.twitter.com/0Wj3eFPG2a
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes)
Ato Ular Flex ????
— Mark Anthony (@_Uchiiiii)
ULAR FLEX! ????????????
— Adan???? (@AguiLity)
Ular flex for the win!
— Ange ????? (@ohangelou)
When asked why he’s always seen flexing his muscles, Ular said he simply wants to uplift everyone.
“Para ma-hype mga team mate ko, maging masaya mga tao at Letran, para lalo lumabas ang Arriba spirit,” he replied.
Ular last played in the NCAA three years ago before spending his time in reserve pool for two years joining slam dunk competitions and eventually playing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) for the Marikina Shoemasters.
The 24-year-old forward also shared how playing in MPBL gave him a chance to prove his skills in the hardcourt once again.
“Malaking bagay yung MPBL kasi akala ko talaga noon wala na akong career, pero nabigyan ulit ako ng pagkakataon maipakita sa lahat na kayang-kaya ko mag laro at makipag sabayan sa mga magagaling na player,” he said.
Ular also shared how grateful he is for the opportunity that was given to him. He also admits that he no longer feels pressured despite the expectations placed on him.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi nakabalik na ako sa NCAA tapos napatunayan ko sa Letran na kaya ko at mali ang mga taong hindi naniwala sa kakayahan ko.”
“Wala ng pressure, tapos na akong ma-pressure. Noong hindi ako nakalaro sa NCAA natangal na lahat ng pressure sa katawan ko, iniisip ko nalang lagi naglalaro ako para kay God, sa family ko at para sa Letran,”he added.
Letran Knights will face the Mapua Cardinals on Tuesday, July 30, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.