The difference between expectations and reality can at times be defined by circumstances beyond one’s control and how they adapt to it. One can plan days, weeks, and even months ahead, but a disruption or two could throw those carefully-laid plans down the drain. 

This often happens in basketball, where a player can have a fine preseason only to be mostly relegated to the bench once the season begins. Such was the case with Luis Pablo, who made his debut with the DLSU Green Archers in UAAP Season 88 after sitting out a year in residency following a season with the UP Fighting Maroons. He figured heavily in the Green Archers’ preseason competitions and looked ready for heavy minutes in Season 88. 

Unfortunately for him, though, the early portions of UAAP Season 88 were spent on the bench. 

In the first round of Season 88, Pablo averaged around 17 minutes of playing time, posting numbers of 5.9 points, 5.0 rebounds per game. At times, he had scoreless outings and even had more points than fouls in his season debut. The UAAP can be a tough league not just because of the level of competition, but also because of the limited number of games in a season. It was clear Pablo was still persevering despite the limited minutes and the early season struggles. Him playing in all of La Salle’s games regardless of his minute count indicates the trust DLSU’s coaching staff had with him. 

And when recent developments put the Green Archers’ season in jeopardy, it was a chance for Pablo to step up. The unfortunate injury to Mason Amos opened up minutes for Pablo, who has since made the most out of his opportunities. 

Pablo has been playing with a greater sense of urgency by asserting himself on both ends of the floor. More importantly, he’s been playing smart by finding the right spots to put back misses, disrupt passing lanes, and spot open teammates.  In fact, these have helped the former NCAA Juniors MVP become La Salle’s leading scorer in two of their last three games. The 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and a block he posts per game have provided stability and depth at the frontcourt beyond Mike Phillips. Defensively, he’s a valuable body DLSU can put on local big men and foreign student-athletes. Staying away from foul trouble, though will be critical as beyond him the Green Archers will be facing a great unknown. 

With a handful of games before the Final Four, the DLSU Green Archers are in prime position to take the coveted twice-to-beat advantage, which will come in handy in a title race that is arguably the most wide open in recent memory. Prior to that, they looked to be on the outside looking in, but Luis Pablo helped them barge back into the Final Four conversation. Pablo won’t be asked to lead the way, but count on him to be there when the Green Archers need him the most.