When I first saw Mongcopa's performance last week—two points off the bench, one-for-seven shooting, four turnovers in an overtime loss—I have to admit, I was skeptical. As someone who’s spent years analyzing player development, those numbers aren’t just underwhelming; they’re the kind of stat line that makes you question a player’s readiness for high-level competition. But here’s the thing about basketball, and why I love digging into its fundamentals: progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes, a single adjustment can flip the script entirely. Fast forward to his most recent game, and the transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Mongcopa wasn’t just serviceable; he was impactful on both ends of the floor, a testament to how mastering core skills can elevate a player almost overnight.
Let’s rewind for a second. In that earlier matchup against Ateneo, the issues were glaring. Shooting one-for-seven from the field translates to a dismal 14% field goal percentage—a number that’s hard to overlook, especially when you consider the context. Coming off the bench, he seemed rushed, almost hesitant, and those four turnovers? They pointed to a lack of ball-handling confidence under pressure. I’ve seen this pattern before with young players: the fundamentals break down when the game speeds up. Footwork gets sloppy, decision-making lags, and suddenly, every possession feels like a struggle. It’s why I always stress that pro-level basketball isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about drilling the basics until they become second nature. For Mongcopa, the difference between those two performances likely came down to something as simple as refining his shooting mechanics or improving his defensive positioning. Small tweaks, massive impact.
Now, I don’t have the exact data on what specific "tip" he received—maybe it was about keeping his elbow in on jump shots or staying low in a defensive stance—but the results speak for themselves. In his latest outing, he looked like a completely different player. Smooth movement off the ball, controlled drives, and what I’d guess was a significant reduction in turnovers, perhaps down to one or two at most. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of focused practice and a willingness to absorb coaching, something I wish more aspiring players would prioritize. In my experience, the gap between good and great often boils down to details: how you set screens, how you read pick-and-roll coverages, even how you communicate on switches. These aren’t flashy skills, but they’re the building blocks of consistency.
What stands out to me in Mongcopa’s case is how quickly he applied those adjustments. Basketball, at its heart, is a game of habits. If you’re turning the ball over four times in a game, it’s usually because you’ve developed poor habits—dribbling too high, telegraphing passes, or failing to scan the court before making a move. Correcting that requires repetitive, mindful practice. I’d bet Mongcopa spent hours in the gym working on ball security, maybe with drills that forced him to protect the rock against double-teams or in tight spaces. And let’s not overlook the mental side. Confidence is everything. After a rough debut, it’s easy for a player to spiral, but he clearly used it as fuel. That resilience is something you can’t teach, and it’s why I’m bullish on his potential moving forward.
Of course, this isn’t just about one player’s journey. It’s a reminder that the fundamentals—shooting form, footwork, court vision—are non-negotiable if you want to excel in pro basketball. I’ve lost count of how many talented athletes I’ve seen plateau because they neglected the basics in favor of highlight-reel plays. But here’s my take: the real magic happens when you move beyond those fundamentals and start integrating them into your unique playing style. For Mongcopa, that might mean developing a go-to move in the post or improving his three-point range to stretch the floor. Based on what I saw in his latest game, he’s already on that path, and if he maintains this trajectory, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him averaging double-digit points within the next 10-12 games.
In the grand scheme of things, Mongcopa’s story is a microcosm of what makes basketball so compelling. It’s a sport where growth is visible, almost tangible, and where the lessons learned on the court often apply to life off it. Persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to mastering the small things—that’s what separates the contenders from the pretenders. As I reflect on his rapid improvement, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this game in the first place. It’s not just about the wins and losses; it’s about the journey of becoming better, one possession at a time. And if Mongcopa keeps this up, I have a feeling we’ll be talking about him for seasons to come.