Ongotan’s Final-Year Push Is About More Than MVP Redemption

With his final collegiate season underway, T-Mc Ongotan has his sights set on something bigger than individual recognition: helping the Arellano Chiefs make a deep run and leave the program with a championship.

The Chiefs guard has put himself back in the NCAA MVP conversation after another strong campaign, averaging 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game through 12 games. But he remains focused on the team’s goals. For Ongotan, the trust placed in him by his coach and teammates comes with a responsibility he does not take lightly.

“Una sa lahat, wala ’yan MVP sa isip ko kasi ang tanging goal ko ay ’yung para sa team,” Ongotan told ALL-STAR.

“Siguro dahil sa tiwala sa akin ni coach kaya nandiyan ako ngayon, at hindi ko binabalewala ’yung tiwalang ’yun dahil may goal kami. Kung mapunta man sa akin ’yung MVP, bonus na lang ’yun para sa mga sakripisyong ginagawa ko araw-araw bago mag-season,” Ongotan added.

Ongotan’s approach this season also reflects the lessons he took from last year. In Season 101, he averaged 17.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, helping lead the Arellano Chiefs to the quarterfinals.

Despite putting together an impressive campaign, he missed out on MVP eligibility after being disqualified following an ejection. Rather than let that experience define him, the Arellano guard used it as a reason to work on his game and his composure.

“Pinagsisihan ko rin ’yung nangyari sa akin last year. Lesson na sa akin ’yun. In-improve at pinag-aralan ko talaga ’yung mga bad habits at mga mali na nagawa ko last year. Kahit papaano, nag-improve naman ako ngayong season,” Ongotan said.

He also made a conscious effort to become more composed and place greater trust in the players around him.

“Pinagtrabahuhan ko yung pagiging composed sa sarili at ’yung tiwala ko sa mga teammates ko. Marami akong in-improve para sa sarili ko at para sa team,” he added.

With his collegiate career approaching its final stretch, Ongotan wants to make the most of the opportunity he has with the Chiefs. Individual honors may come along the way, but he knows what he wants the team to accomplish before the season ends.

“Magandang run para sa amin. Matapos sana ang season na healthy ako at healthy kaming lahat. Bago man ako umalis, maabot sana namin ’yung goal. ’Yun talaga ang nasa isip ko ngayon,” Ongotan said.

And when asked what that goal looks like, his answer was clear:

“Final Four, Finals, tapos Championship.”