By: Jonash Dannug
Photo by Angela Davocol/The LANCE.
After missing the initial part of the first round, Koy Galvelo was quick to make up for lost time and gave Letran a timely boost in the second round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 94.
A month ago, Galvelo was the center of attraction in the NCAA not for his sweet-shooting skills, but for a much dreadful reason.
Galvelo was seen playing in a bush league which is a violation of the league rules. Knowing the repercussions, Letran head coach Jeff Napa opted not to field in Galvelo during that span to avoid forfeitures.
His absence on the court though, left a lot of gossip which led to coach Napa breaking his silence to defend his recruit.
“Koy Galvelo is a big factor to our team. Hindi siya bangko. Very important person si Koy. Pero I have to sacrifice dahil sa rule na nilabag niya,” said Napa.
When the storm finally weathered, Galvelo filled in for guards Jerrick Balanza who was out for the season due to a brain tumor and Bonbon Batiller who is currently nursing a shoulder injury.
“Sa totoo lang, everytime talaga na tatapak ako sa court, talagang kailangan [ko] ibigay ko yung 100 percent ko,” said Galvelo in an interview with The LANCE.
“Lalo na [may] injury pa sila Bonbon at Jerick, kailangan ko talaga magstep up. Para lang makatulong sa team,” he added.
With the opportunity at hand, the latter did not disappoint and fired a career-high 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field against the Generals in his second game as a starter. The rookie then upped his career-best in the following game by delivering 16 points in Letran’s 89-79 victory against the Heavy Bombers.
For Galvelo, it’s all about giving back to his team, for the faith that they placed on him during those tough times.
“Sobrang pasasalamat sa mga teammates at coaches sa tiwala na binibigay nila sakin kaya ayon kailangan kong ibalik yon sa kanila,” said Galvelo.
“Ayon nga kailangan ko talagang ibalik sa kanya [Jeff Napa] ‘yung tiwala na binbigay niya sakin. Talagang gagawin ko yung best ko para lang makatulong sa team,” he added.
With the Knights’ continued struggle from beyond the arc, Galvelo and his sharp-shooting prowess proved to be a very valuable piece in Letran’s championship quest.