Clint Escamis had just wrapped up his decorated NCAA career, but it wasn't the farewell he envisioned.
Already struggling throughout the season, the graduating guard was forced to leave the game early during Mapua University's do-or-die NCAA Season 101 quarterfinal against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, with the team's fate hanging in the balance.
Escamis was called for a disqualifying foul after an incident with Tony Ynot, leaving the court with almost a quarter left in the game. The Cardinals, though, tried to stun the Blazers despite his absence but fell short.
That ended a gloomy season for Escamis.
The 25-year-old guard only averaged 10.69 points this year to go with 2.69 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.46 steals.
Worst, he did not make any field goal during the quarterfinals against the Balzers after going 0-of-16 in the two games combined.
"Syempre ando'n 'yung frustrations, ando'n 'yung feeling bad pero sa akin I gave it all," Escamis told reporters on Friday.
"Ejection, syempre bad way to go out pero ayon 'yung hinatol sa akin ng mga referees and I know they're doing their job. Sa akin gagawin kong lesson para sa next level ng career."
Escamis then revealed multiple injuries he has been battling through this season.
Two days before the season, he sustained a tear on his lateral meniscus and medial meniscus tear that made it uncomfortable to play his usual game. Then during their lone encounter against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Escamis hyperextended his elbow to add to his injury woes.
The former Rookie MVP and Finals MVP, however, decided to play through these injuries in his final year.
And he doesn't regret any of it.
"For me coming back, hindi ko naman iniisip na bumaba draft stock ko eh. Ang [iniisip] ko lang is for the school, the one who gave me and the chance, [si] Coach Randy [Alcantara] and Mapua," Escamis added.
"So it's my way of giving back and marami din kasi nagtatanong, 'Are you sure going back?' For me, [I've] never been more sure in my life."
Now, Escamis is defiant as he is ready to move forward in his career, saying he is eyeing to make a professional jump either here or abroad but he said he will prioritize his recovery.
"Kung ano mang best opportunity sa akin, basta I'm going for the pros [but] first kailangan ko munang ayusin 'yung sarili ko and recover from a lot of injuries and get better."