As tough as the transition to the professional level has been, KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue City’s young forward Dyll Roncal is taking it in stride and had his breakout game against the Tabogon Voyagers on Friday in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup in Alcantara.
The 23-year old compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal in KCS’ 86-53 rout of the Tabogon Voyagers that helped them raise their win-loss record to 3-1.
Being the youngest player on the team right now, Roncal says it’s important for him to become more mature—on and off the court—especially since he’s playing at the professional level now.
“Ako mindset lang jud kay dapat maging more mature nako sa ani na liga,” shared Roncal in a talk after the game. “Then always maminaw sa advice sa mga coaches and kuyas diri sa team and also sako parents.”
Roncal’s father, Randyll Roncal, who was one of the most feared and respected commercial basketball players in Cebu, beamed with pride when asked about his son’s performance on Friday evening.
“Proud kaayo ko sa gipakita sako anak! Lipay kaayo ko nga naay nakapadayon sa akong pangandoy nga naputol,” said the elder Roncal, who was a star at the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute Of Technology Skyblazers and played one season for Edgar Macaraya at San Sebastian-Cavite.
The younger Roncal added that he’s focusing on the instructions of his head coach Mike Reyes, which helps him traverse this brand new basketball journey after ending his collegiate career with a championship at Southwestern University-Phinma.
“Ang akoa lang jud kay follow sa system of coach Mike ,then trust lang sako self and especially kay God nga siya naga hatag sa talent kung unsa man naa sakoa karun,” Roncal said.
It also helps that his father and the rest of his family is always there for him, no matter the distance.
“Ako tambag sa iyaha is pirmi nga focus lang jud sa dula. Kung unsay itudlo sa imoha kung maayo, sunda lang,” shared the older Roncal who always reminds his son to play with both integrity and honor.
“Bisag pobre ra mi, ayaw jud anang binuang kay ang kwarta moabot rana,” the older Roncal added. (JNP)