Cargo Draws Nambatac Comparison, Eyes Title With Letran
Justin Cargo is only three games into his NCAA career, but he is already being compared to one of Letran’s most recognizable stars.
The rookie made an immediate impact in his NCAA debut against Perpetual as he filled the stat sheet with eight points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two crucial blocks. He showed no signs of jitters despite making the jump from the juniors division, where he had just helped Letran win the NCAA Season 101 championship and earned Finals MVP honors.
That performance caught the attention of Letran coach Allen Ricardo, who saw something familiar in Cargo.
“Si Justin Cargo parang Rey Nambatac 2.0,” Ricardo said after Cargo’s seniors debut.
The comparison came from the fearlessness and energy Ricardo saw in Cargo — qualities that reminded him of a young Nambatac.
Three games into his seniors career, Cargo has already backed up that comparison with an even bigger performance.
He exploded for 22 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three, along with three rebounds, two steals and an assist, as Letran beat EAC, 91-80, to improve to 3-0. Cargo was named Player of the Game.
Following Rey Nambatac’s Path at Letran
Nambatac followed a similar path of growth at Letran.
He built his reputation with his toughness and tenacity before becoming one of the Knights’ well-known guards in the 2010s. He helped Letran win the 2015 NCAA championship and had one of his biggest performances the following year, dropping 40 points and 10 rebounds against San Sebastian in 2016. Nambatac also earned a spot on the NCAA Mythical Five in 2017 before eventually making his mark in the PBA.
For Cargo, hearing his name mentioned alongside Nambatac is something he appreciates.
“Maganda nga sa pakiramdam na pinagkukumpara ako lalo na sa isang pro basketball player, tsaka pinagtatrabahuhan ko naman po kung ano pa need ko ma-improve sa sarili ko,” Cargo told ALL-STAR.
Cargo Has His Own Championship Goal
But Cargo is not simply trying to become the next Nambatac.
He has his own goal with Letran — helping the Knights win a championship, especially after last season’s run ended in the NCAA Finals.
“Matulungan ko lang po yung mga graduating na sa amin–lalo na po yung mga kuya ko. Alam ko kasi kung gaano kasakit sa pakiramdam nung natalo sila last year finals,” Cargo said.
“Yun habol namin na makapasok ulit sa finals at makuha yung championship.”
Nambatac had already accomplished the same goal during his time at Letran.
He helped the Knights win the 2015 NCAA championship, giving his seniors Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal a championship in their final season.
Now, Cargo wants to give his own seniors the same sendoff — a championship before they move on.
