By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Terrafirma Dyip rookie guard Mark Nonoy shared his excitement after leading his team to a stunning 117-108 victory over the TNT Tropang Giga, and defeating his childhood idol, Jayson Castro, on Wednesday night, January 22.

The 24-year-old Negrense admitted that he was extra motivated to showcase his skills against Castro, a player he has admired since his grade school days.

“Since childhood, napapanood ko na siya — grade school ako, high school. Isa siya sa mga PBA player na ini-inspire ko ‘yung sarili ko,” Nonoy said in a post-game interview.

“Naging confident ako kasi gusto kong ma-challenge siya. Kasi idol ko ‘yun eh. Sobrang thankful ako kasi na-overcome ko rin ‘yung kaba ko. Nakalaro ako nang maayos,” he added.

Nonoy achieved a career-high of 33 points, which included five three-pointers and two four-point plays, along with four rebounds and four assists, leading the Dyip to their sole victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The guard from Negros Occidental’s Escalante City also mentioned that he had a brief conversation with Castro after the game, during which the latter offered him valuable advice.

“‘Yung sinabi niya, decision-making and control your speed,” said Nonoy, a one-time UAAP men’s basketball tournament champion with the De La Salle University Green Archers.

Aside from winning over Castro, the former Iloilo United Royals standout believes that he’s proven that he belongs in Asia’s pioneering pro league following a noteworthy performance.

“Tinrabaho ko ‘to eh. Isa ito sa pangarap ko,” Nonoy said.

“Nung nakatuntong na ‘ko rito, kailangan ko mag-build ng sarili kong pangalan. Gagawa ako kung anong makakatulong sa team namin. Siguro I belong in this league,” he added./ASC, WDJ