Submitted:
Relentless rookie, Mark Cardona [uaap.pinoycentral.com]

Displaying on court tenacity from day one, Green Archer freshman Mark Cardona has been a revelation. Prior to the season tip-off, he wasn’t even among La Salle’s popular bunch of new recruits. But the sensational rookie has been displaying his wares and showing poise in every game. Thus, the young guard earned his playing minutes and he’s now a familiar sight on the hardcourt. Donning the green and white #17 jersey, Cardona graduated from the DECS high school program. Unlike top junior players who receive offers even before they step out of high school, Cardona was a walk-in recruit. He fortunately got the nod of the La Salle coaching staff and finally had his first exposure in a big basketball league "This is my first time to play in a league. Dati puro barangay leagues lang ako pag summer," he candidly shares.

Having only played six match-ups, the 6’1" rookie has already been instrumental in most of La Salle’s victories. In one recent game in fact, it was he who sank the winning basket in the charity stripe en route to a one-point escape against the NU Bulldogs. Cardona has maintained his bearing in other crucial moments. And he says that he simply doesn’t allow the jitters to creep up on him. "Basta naglalaro lang ako, walang pressure sa akin. Hindi lumalaki ulo ko. Hindi nga ako nagbabasa ng diyaryo, di ko na tinitingnan yung news. Pero ina-appreciate ko naman pag sinasabihan nila ako na I had a nice game," he reveals. But even if he has been delivering impressive ball, Cardona notes that he’s still adjusting to La Salle’s brand of play. "Medyo mahirap kasi rookie ako. Minsan napapagalitan pa rin ako ni coach. Pero ok lang, mas gusto ko pa nga yung napapagalitan ako para magawa ko yung sinasabi ni coach," he says. And since it’s his first time to play for an organized league, La Salle head coach Franz Pumaren says that they still have to fine-tune Cardona’s skills. "Wala talaga siyang formal competition kaya minsan naa-out of control pa. That’s why I assigned Ren Ren (Ritualo) to be his kuya, to guide him the whole season," he shares. But the three-time champion coach is confident with his new ward’s ability. "I can say hulog ng langit yan. We were lucky and I think he can fill in the spot vacated by Mon Jose," he notes.

Currently, Cardona is taking up AB Major in Translation Studies. Despite having a busy basketball schedule, he says he tries to find time for his studies. He’s enjoying his freshman year and he’s also grateful for the opportunity to play for the defending titlist. In fact, Cardona shares that his still relatively short stint with La Salle has already improved his playing skills. He adds, "Maganda yung play ni coach para sa akin kaya I take advantage of it." But more than his individual improvement, Cardona is hoping that the whole team will work harder come next round. "Offense pa rin yung strong point namin. Pero yung defense, kailangan pa ma-improve. Kasi minsan pag alam naming lamang na kami, we take our time and nagre-relax," he assesses.

Evidently, Cardona is one Archer keen in securing La Salle’s four-ward bid. It has been an impressive first round for the rookie revelation. He has blended well with the team and already, has apparently imbibed La Salle's winning ways.