Pasaol slims down, excited to share scoring responsibility

MANILA, Philippines – A leaner and more muscular Alvin Pasaol said he’s excited to share scoring responsibilities with his teammates. And it’s the kind of attitude new University of the East head coach Joe Silva certainly needs as he implements his new system in the upcoming UAAP Season 81 basketball tournament.

Pasaol, who dropped at least 10 pounds after Silva took over, also said he intends to stay fit as the the Red Warriors try to their campaign around.

“For this season, pumayat ako dahil self-discipline. Sa kain ko, disiplina ako. Kailangan ko kasi this season, parang ibang Alvin ang makita nila. Hindi ‘yung Alvin na last year na chubby type,” he said. 

(I slimmed down for this season thanks to self-discipline. I was watching what I ate. I need to show a different Alvin this season, not the chubby type from last year.)

“Ngayon mas kailangan ko, ‘yung katawan ko, i-build nang maganda para ‘yung Alvin na prototype, hindi ‘yung chubby type.”

(I need to build a better body now so that becomes the prototype, not the chubby body.)

Despite UE’s near-bottom finish at 3-11 in the 2017 UAAP season, Pasaol delivered stellar outings with his high-scoring performances, highlighted by a 49-point outburst against then defending champion La Salle in a losing effort.

But as part of Silva’s mission to change the losing culture of UE, he’s going to instruct the Red Warriors to have more balance when it comes to scoring. (WATCH: Young Joe Silva looks to turn UE program around)

“Last year it was all Alvin. Give the ball to Alvin, get out of the way. Right now, I’ve made a system where everybody’s equal opportunity,” said the former UAAP junior’s champion coach.

One of the quick alterations Silva made upon arriving in Recto was to make the players undergo a six- to seven-week muscle hypertrophy program. He also instructed the boys to watch their diet and consistently attend classes.

According to Silva, the potential for Pasaol, who reached nearly 50 points while carrying extra weight, is exciting now that he’s shed some body fat and added lean muscle.

That potential also includes becoming a more complete player, which means Pasaol will have to wait his turn to get the ball during stretches in games. Fortunately for the Red Warriors, he’s excited about that.

“Mas magandang sistema ‘yun kay coach Joe, kasi lahat kami nagko-contribute. Hindi lang ‘yung last year na, hindi naman sa ako lang, madami din kami… pero ngayon mas maganda ‘yung sistema ni coach Joe, kasi lahat involved sa ginagawa namin,” he said.

(Coach Joe’s system is nice because everyone contributes. Not that it was all me last year, there were a few others… but everyone is now involved.)

“Alvin and Philip [Manalang, UE’s point guard] will be more dangerous because the ball won’t be with them most of the time,” said Silva. “They can create for their teammates. I’ll put them in spots where they can score and it will give confidence to our other players that other schools won’t know who to guard anymore.”

Pasaol told Rappler that he also plans to play out the remaining two years of his eligibility with UE. Making the Final Four might be a long shot in year one of the basketball program’s rebuild, but the team’s best player is still hopeful they can make it, along with the opportunity to flash his capabilities in the big stage.

“Gusto ko lang ma-develop ‘yung skills ko para ‘pag dating ko sa pro, ma-draft or something, para ma-showcase ko lang kung ano bigay sa akin ng Diyos na talent na binigay niya sakin.”

(I want to be able to develop my skills so when I go to the pros, I get drafted so I can showcase the talents God gave me.) – Rappler.com