MANILA, Philippines – For College of Saint Benilde, Will Gozum has yet to take the field in a preseason game. 

He hasn’t even practiced with the Blazers since the Dubai International Basketball Championship ended in January of last year.

He hasn’t actually worked out with us lately. Charles Tiu, head coach of the Blazers, said, “I mean, I know we all want him to stay, our managers, our team – everybody really wants him to stay.”

But I’m not sure whether that’s the case. We’ll let him and his family make that decision.

With Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Team Quezon at the moment is the current NCAA Most Valuable Player. In addition, Tiu claims that the 24-year-old big man is debating whether to remain with the Huskers and subsequently enter the PBA Rookie Draft, or to spend his final season with Benilde.

Although Gozum will be missed, Benilde won’t be able to replace him until NCAA Season 100, when transferees like Justine Sanchez and Allen Liwag will become eligible.

The NCAA opponent Emilio Aguinaldo College defeated the runners-up from last season, 70 to 65, in Pinoliga. In the Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup, San Sebastian College-Recoletos defeated them, 84 to 94. So far, the runners-up from last season have struggled without Gozum.

Tiu will be supportive of his ward and appreciative for helping to restore the Blazers program no matter what Gozum’s choice is.

Nevertheless, you should know that I will respect and support his choice.