Justine Sanchez has become one of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde's most reliable players in NCAA Season 102, stepping up not only as a scorer but also as a leader for the Blazers.
With two-time MVP Allen Liwag and forwards Irele Galas and Raffy Celis unavailable, Sanchez has taken on a bigger role on both ends of the floor, helping Benilde stay competitive despite its depleted lineup.
Through seven games, the 6-foot-5 captain is averaging 15.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 27 minutes per outing. He is also drawing around four fouls per game, showing his ability to put pressure on defenses and attack the basket through contact.
What has stood out most, however, is his shooting from beyond the arc. Sanchez has made 18 of his 35 three-point attempts, good for a 51.4% clip, while taking five shots from deep per game.
For him, this was not on his bingo card coming into the season.
"No, actually, it is a surprise," Sanchez told ESPN, referring to his efficient outside shooting.
"I react to whatever the defense gives me. But when I miss those shots and the defense keeps denying me, I adjust and look for opportunities to attack the paint."
His performance against Perpetual Help showed just how dangerous he can be from the outside. Sanchez knocked down seven of his eight three-point attempts, including the go-ahead triple that gave Benilde an 81-79 overtime win.
He finished with a career-high 27 points and seven rebounds, making his presence felt both on the perimeter and on the boards.
The 25-year-old forward has helped steer the Blazers to a 6-1 record in Group A, picking up wins over defending champions San Beda, Mapúa and Arellano. Their lone loss came against the JRU Heavy Bombers, who share the top spot with CSB.
But with several key players out, Sanchez knows that his role goes beyond putting up numbers. As captain, he has also taken responsibility for keeping his teammates going when the team struggles.
"When they're down, someone has to lift them up, so I take it upon myself to do that," Sanchez said.
"I talk to my teammates one by one, and it really helps them. They respond well, and I think having the right mindset helps me lead them better."
Sanchez has also changed the way he handles younger teammates like Jhomel Ancheta and SJ Moore. He said that in previous seasons, mistakes on the court sometimes led to finger-pointing and mutual blame.
This time, he wants to give them more freedom to make decisions and learn from them.
"Before the season started, I told them, 'I will let you play as long as you're doing the right thing. I will let you make your decisions, and I will help you if you make a wrong decision,'" he said.
That trust has begun to show in the growth of Benilde's younger players, with Sanchez's leadership giving them room to contribute in their own ways.
Jhomel Ancheta and Matt Jucom have provided a steady presence in the backcourt as both playmakers and scorers, while SJ Moore has brought energy to help keep the Blazers' momentum going. John Morales, meanwhile, has made the most of his increased playing time, giving Benilde another reliable option in the paint.
"Coach Charles [Tiu] always wants me to set a good example," Sanchez said. "I feel the trust the coaches have in me, especially after Allen stepped down.
"I also draw strength from my teammates, especially those who are injured. I always tell them that everything I do is for them."