As this year’s UAAP men’s basketball season came to a heady climax, Kopiko 78 awarded eight star athletes, handpicked from each of the varsity teams to be included in the first ever Kopiko 78 Recharged Team!
One Kopiko 78 Recharged Player was commended during each game of season 79 for impressive and exceptional hardcourt performances, exemplary playing despite their hectic schedules with school and trainings. The players from each team who received the most distinctions were awarded the prizes last December 7 at the Araneta Coliseum. Adamson University’s Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ateneo de Manila University’s Antonio Asistio, De La Salle University’s Benoit Mbala, Far Eastern University’s Prince Orizu, National University’s J-Jay Alejandro, University of the East’s Bonbon Batiller, University of the Philippines’ Dave Moralde and University of Santo Tomas’ Louie Vigil each received P25, 000 cash prizes.
We caught up with some of the players and they shared their tips for keeping their energy up.
“You just have to work hard and pray. Dedicate yourself to what you want to achieve and leave the rest to God.” – Ben Mbala, La Salle Green Archers
“Rest is important so that you don’t waste energy on unnecessary things. You need to eat and sleep right.” - Anton Asistio, Ateneo Blue Eagles
“You have to be in the right condition to do what you need to do on the court. That means some extra running, sprinting and weight training.” - Dave Moralde, UP Fighting Maroons
“You need to focus on what you’re doing and you should like what you’re doing. You should always keep in mind that you can do it.” – Bonbon Batiller, UE Red Warriors
“I keep my body prepared. I stick to my pre-game meals, which consist of a lot of carbs. I also have my pre-game ritual: that means proper warm up and getting my mind focused. Visualize!” Louie Vigil, UST Growling Tigers
“I pace myself, I do breathing exercises. Energy is all about preparation. You need to prepare, so you don’t have a hard time.” – J-Jay Alejandro, NU Bulldogs
“It’s all about endurance and focus. You should not give in to the pain, though it’s not easy. You need to focus on stamina, agility—that keeps you going.” He shared: “We do a lot of conditioning: running the field, climbing stairs up to 18 storeys, core and weight training.” – Prinze Orizu, FEU Tamaraws
To stay refreshed and recharged just like the Kopiko 78 Recharged Team, make sure to enjoy Kopiko 78!
