Noel Kampton emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination for De La Salle University.
Despite battling the effects of jet lag, the reigning Finals MVP ensured his presence was felt in Game 2 against the formidable Far Eastern University last Wednesday.
Kampton’s journey back to the court was not a simple one. After a two-week training camp in Italy with the Alas Pilipinas national team, he had missed a significant portion of La Salle’s playoff campaign. However, his triumphant return was nothing short of spectacular.
Stepping onto the court, Kampton wasted no time igniting the Green Spikers' performance. He delivered crucial plays in the final two sets, contributing to a hard-fought 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20 victory over the Tamaraws. This victory propelled the series to a winner-take-all Game 3, scheduled for Friday at 5:00 p.m.
“May jetlag pa ako ngayon kasi kakarating ko lang kahapon, 12 a.m. kami dumating [from Italy]. Naga-adjust pa ‘yung body clock ko,” Kampton shared candidly after the match.
He arrived just past midnight on Tuesday, yet he was back on the practice court immediately following his return.
To combat the fatigue, Kampton diligently engaged in strength and conditioning workouts led by coach Pao Escano.
“Pero ang ginawa ko, sa strength and conditioning ko kay coach Pao Escano, binigyan niya ako ng workout. Nag-workout kami and nagpahinga ako nang maayos. Pero ngayon, nahihilo pa rin ako, pagod pa rin,” he admitted.
Despite the challenges, Kampton was determined to make up for lost time. In less than two sets of play, he racked up nine crucial points, a performance that helped stave off the Tamaraws, who were eager to clinch the championship title.
“Nung pagdating ko dito, nag-chat agad ako kay coach na kaya ko na mag-training kahit hilo hilo pa ko. Nag-training ako kanina saka kahapon nag-training ako kahit hilo hilo ako, pinapa-relax lang nila ako, ‘yung makakapa lang ako ng bola ulit,” he explained.
As the Green Spikers prepare for the decisive Game 3, Kampton recognizes the challenges that lie ahead. FEU, known for their fierce competitiveness, is seeking redemption after this setback.
“Maging consistent lang talaga. Kasi knowing FEU, grabe ang hirap talaga nila kalaban, kahit nung UAAP. Ngayon lang kami nanalo sa kanila. Iba kalaban ang FEU, so patapangan na lang talaga and may the best team win na lang talaga,” he emphasized.
