Soyud hopes to make most out of opportunity under Guiao
A relatively no name in the big league, NLEX’s Raul Soyud now has all the chances under coach Yeng Guiao to reintroduce himself to countless PBA fans.
Soyud caught the attention of the expansion team Blackwater back in 2014 when he was picked in the third round of the draft. The big man out of University of the Philippines later returned to D-League where he suited up for several teams.
Proving to be a bright spot in UP-QRS/Jam Liner’s campaign in the Aspirant’s Cup, the sweet-shooting slotman found his way back to the PBA and saw himself playing for NLEX.
The low-keyed Soyud admitted that it still feels strange having the opportunity to showcase his wares under his spitfire mentor’s watch.
“Naninibago (ako) kasi dati ‘di naman ako nakakalaro. Pero nag-a-adjust ako para ma-satisfy ko ‘yung expectation at binibigay sa’kin ni coach (Guiao) na tsansa,” Soyud said.
The former Fighting Maroon, though, rued his inability to save the day of the the Road Warriors, who picked up their third straight loss, 85-96, against Blackwater. He logged just nine points and four boards in 27 minutes of play.
“Medyo disappointed ako dahil hindi ko nasuklian yung expectation ni coach Yeng ,” said Soyud , who is getting lots of exposure in the absence of the injured Asi Taulava and Enrico Villanueva.
“‘Yung pagkawala nila Kuya Enrico at Kuya Asi, malaking bagay, kaya kailangan ko talagang taasan pa yung laro ko,” Soyud said.
Thanks to Villanueva, the native of Negros Occidental is learning a thing or two to hasten his improvement.
“Si Kuya Enrico ‘yung talagang nagga-guide sa akin kung anong kailangan kong gawin. Sabi nga ni Kuya Enrico, kailangan ko na mag-grow nang mabilisan hindi ‘yung magte-take time pa kasi nagagamit na ‘ko.”
“Kailangan every game may gagawin ako na makakatulong sa team. Kaya kailangan ko talaga mag-grow up as soon as possible.” Jeremiah Sevilla
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
