The One Thing Allen Liwag Still Wants Before Leaving Benilde

Allen Liwag has already accomplished something few players in NCAA history can claim. The College of St. Benilde big man became the first local player since PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio in 1985 and 1986 to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards, while also becoming the first local player since Raymond Almazan in 2013 to claim both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors in the same season.

Yet despite the individual recognition and accomplishments, one achievement remains missing from his collegiate résumé: an NCAA championship.

With his final playing year in the NCAA underway, Liwag has one goal in mind — finally bring a championship to the Blazers.

A Test of Patience and Faith

It was a goal that almost became even harder to achieve after an injury threatened to end his final season before it even began. Liwag underwent surgery before the campaign, with initial reports suggesting that he could miss the entire season.

For a player entering his final year of eligibility, the possibility of not getting another chance to compete with his teammates was difficult to take.

“Unang pumasok agad sa isip ko, ‘Paano na ‘to? Baka hindi na ako makalaro this year,’” the two-time MVP told ALL-STAR.

However, after undergoing an MRI, Liwag received more encouraging news. Doctors who examined him found a bone spur that needed to be removed, giving him hope that he could still return and make the most of his final playing year.

While he focused on his recovery following surgery, the Blazers continued their campaign without their star big man. Benilde went 8-3 through its first 11 games, proving it could remain competitive even without one of its biggest contributors.

Liwag, meanwhile, had to find a different way to help his team — by trusting his teammates and focusing on getting himself back in playing shape.

“Mindset ko lang nung after ng surgery ko, kailangan lang mag-focus ako sa recovery ko. Tamang pagkain at tulog yung pinaka-kailangan ko gawin nung mga oras na yun,” he shared.

Despite the difficult situation, Liwag held on to his faith, believing that everything happened for a reason.

“Kahit sobrang down nung sitwasyon ko, nagtiwala lang ako kay Lord kasi inisip ko lang nun is may purpose siya at may plan siya para sa akin kaya nangyari yun,” he said.

He also remained confident in his teammates, taking pride in the way they performed while he watched from the sidelines.

“Sobrang saya ko lang nung nakikita ko na nagpe-perform sila nang maganda, and sobrang proud talaga ako sa pinakita nila,” he added.

One More Chance to Chase the Title

That patience eventually paid off when Liwag returned in Benilde’s 12th game of the season, just in time to reinforce the Blazers heading into the NCAA playoffs.

After three months away from basketball, getting back on the court was already a significant moment for the reigning two-time MVP.

“Para sa akin, malaking bagay na makabalik ako this season kasi gusto ko makatulong sa kanila at alam ko na makakatulong talaga ako sa team namin,” Liwag said. “Sobrang excited lang na makabalik ulit at makapaglaro ng basketball kasi na-out din ako ng three months. Sobrang na-miss ko lang talaga maglaro.”

Now back with his teammates, Liwag has another opportunity to pursue the one achievement that has eluded him throughout his decorated collegiate career.

He has already collected individual honors and made his mark in NCAA history, but there is still one thing he hopes to accomplish before his final season comes to an end. When asked about what he wants to achieve in his final year, Liwag pointed to the same goal he and his teammates have been chasing for years.

“Yung matagal na naming goal, which is yung championship.”