Bonleon shines after leaving UST, erupts for 31 points in D-League debut

Alexx Esponga

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Bonleon shines after leaving UST, erupts for 31 points in D-League debut
In his debut in the PBA D-League, Embons Bonleon unleashes a massive double-double of 31 points and 12 rebounds for AMA Online Education

 

MANILA, Philippines – After Mario “Embons” Bonleon’s controversial confession on his former team in the UAAP, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, he went on with his life.

It wasn’t easy as the 22-year old Bonleon suffered criticisms from UST supporters and even his former teammates who countered that the allegations he levied against the Growling Tigers’ head coach Boy Sablan are not true.

“Some (Thomasians) call me a quitter. They tell me I won’t achieve anything in basketball,” relayed Bonleon.

The Davao-native Bonleon alleged in an interview with Rappler coach Sablan is accepting bribes from his own players in exchange for playing time.

In an article published by the Varsitarian, the official school publication of UST, Growling Tigers skipper Marvin Lee spoke in behalf of his teammates, saying “We were offended by what Embons said. We don’t know where he got those (information). There is no truth in all he’s saying.”

Despite the issues haunting Bonleon, he promised himself to make the decision to leave the Espana-based squad worthwhile—and his debut in the PBA D-League made all the difference he needed.

The redemption

In his first game, Bonleon unleashed a massive double-double of 31 points and 12 rebounds that eased AMA Online Education’s defeat against Racal Motors, 118-110, on Thursday, June 1.

“The Thomasians who supported me is my inspiration. Also, to everyone who teased and bullied me because I’m fat, I got inspired to work hard,” said Bonleon. “I got hurt because of people were fat-shaming me but I used that as an advantage.”

After finishing with an impressive statline, Bonleon shared he felt great and motivated again. “My hunger and passion came back. I feel really great.”

In an effort to do something about his weight, Bonleon is currently on a strict diet called intermittent fasting wherein he follows 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of feeding.

Moreover, Bonleon is optimistic about his stay in AMA as he was able to exhaust 33 minutes of playing time compared to his 8 to 10 minutes under Sablan’s mentorship.

“I appreciate the chance that coach Mark (Herrera) is giving me. It really boosts my confidence.” Bonleon, who is also part of AMA’s starting 5, said.

Former Growing Tiger Renzo Subido, who also left UST alongside Bonleon, made his presence felt in AMA as he finished with 11 points.

“I saw Renzo’s (Subido) journey. You can’t blame him for leaving (UST) because it was also hard for him. At least, we still got each other’s backs.”

More goodbyes?

As published in philstar.com, more players are thinking of sitting out or leaving the team for good after coach Sablan exploded when UST lost to Letran 71-65 in the Filoil Preseason Cup and threw verbal assaults to his players.

A source confirmed to Rappler there are currently two Growling Tigers thinking of quitting the team.

Bonleon, on the other hand, says he’s done with the subject of UST.

“I still care about my (UST) team. I’m updated in every game. I get hurt every time they lose, but I don’t really have anything to say with what’s happening right now. I sometimes regret publicly sharing what is happening in the team but what’s done is done,” Bonleon said.

“Since I’m not part of the team (UST) anymore, I don’t want to say anything anymore.” – Rappler.com

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