One of three one-and-done players for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Kymani Ladi made himself known to the UAAP in his debut game this Season 88 Saturday, Sept. 20.
Most UAAP athletes have five years to make their mark with their respective teams.
But for Kymani Ladi, one of three one-and-done players in the Ateneo roster this UAAP Season 88, he only has a handful of games — 14 if the Blue Eagles are unable to make it to the postseason anew.
So far, he’s making the most of it.
Ladi introduced himself to the league in emphatic fashion, finishing with Player of the Game honors in the Blue Eagles' turning back of Far Eastern University in overtime, 86-83, in their season opener at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, Sept. 20.
[RELATED STORY: Jared Bahay, Ateneo nip FEU in OT in thrilling start to UAAP Season 88 men's basketball]
After the match, Ladi said that he was out to play his best in the time he’ll be given.
“I really have to [make the most of it]. I don't have much time [with Ateneo],” he told One Sports.
“There's not a lot of games. Competition is always there. It's not that I didn't expect it not to be there. But coming from overseas, it's a little bit of a different feeling, but I'm ready for it.”
Kymani Ladi (center) reacts during Ateneo's match against FEU on opening day of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Saturday, Sept. 20. | Photo: The UAAP
Ladi finished with a game-high 26 points to go along with nine rebounds and three assists.
He also provided five of the team’s last six points in the extra period to follow through on the late-game heroics of holdover guard Jared Bahay.
Kymani Ladi, a veteran rookie
One-and-done players may only enjoy one season in the UAAP, but that doesn’t mean they do not have any experience.
Though a rookie in the league, Ladi already has an entry in his resume, having played for Merritt College at the California Community College Athletic Association in the US.
[ALSO READ: Jacob Cortez wills La Salle past Adamson for rousing start in UAAP men's basketball]
Ladi shares co-captain duties with Bahay, and he is ready to take on the challenge, even if he is going into uncharted territory in the local collegiate scene.
As far as he’s concerned, he’s loving the experience.
Jared Bahay hugs Kymani Ladi during Ateneo's duel with FEU in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Saturday, Sept. 20. | Photo: The UAAP
“[I’m] using my experience from my past over in the States, because you've got to think, even though I'm the rookie, technically, I'm also the oldest on the team,” Ladi said.
“So, I still give my word in, and my teammates, they're willing to listen and — not necessarily do what I say — but they're really accepting me,” he continued.
Ladi hopes to continue his flight with the Blue Eagles against University of the East Wednesday, September 24, still at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team and mixed martial arts.