Harold Alarcon’s veteran leadership goes beyond his desire to rack up the wins.
Anyone familiar with Harold Alarcon knows that he’s far from the most vocal player on the court. Even as a leader for the UP Fighting Maroons, the proud son of Silay continues to let his game show any emotions he might want to convey to his teammates.
“Lead by example lang ako kasi I’m not the type of player na vocal. Pinapakita ko lang siya through actions and shine-share ko lang siya minsan sa mga experiences ko, lalo na mas matagal ako dito sa UAAP,” he told The GAME in a recent exclusive interview.
“Siguro pag needed na, dun na ako nagsasalita, dun na ako nagvo-voice out. Pag paulit-ulit na.”
True to his word, Harold’s leadership by example shines the brightest whenever State U needs it. Now in his final playing year, Harold has been the steady hand that’s stepped up for the Fighting Maroons in the clutch.
This assertiveness has been on full display in Round 2 of UAAP Season 88, starting with State U’s 78-74 bounce-back win over National University last October 22. It was Alarcon who scored 13 of the Fighting Maroons’ 24 fourth-quarter points as they repelled the Bulldogs’ late rally down the stretch.
On Wednesday, November 5, UP once again turned to Alarcon as the UST Growling Tigers looked ready to snap a three-game losing skid. Eight of his 22 points came in the final three minutes, including the smooth mid-range jumper that gave State U the 89-88 win over the Tigers.
“Actually, parang sa five years ko sa college, marami na din akong na-experience sa UAAP; kumbaga ‘yung composure ko nananatili na doon sa mga clutch moments na sinasabi natin,” he said post-game on Wednesday.
“If you experience it kasi mafi-feel mo talaga ‘yung hindi ka na kinakabahan, hindi ka na nagmamadali. Parang nasa present moment ka lang and nakikita mo.”
More than the innate desire to win, Harold Alarcon’s assertiveness is also a reflection of his final wish: to go out on a winning note as a Fighting Maroon. Unlike years past, there won’t be any more next seasons for Harold, and any missed opportunities will linger as “what ifs” once he looks back on his collegiate years.
Whether it’s putting State U on his back during crunch time, or doing the dirty work for his team, one thing’s for certain, and that’s Alarcon looking to end his time in Diliman with no regrets.
“Yun nga, ‘yun ‘yung parang mindset ko na parang stay in the present tas sine-seize ko talaga every moment kasama itong mga teammates ko, lalo na hindi ko na sila makakasama sa future.”
Thanks in large part to Alarcon’s heroics, the Fighting Maroons currently sit at solo second with a 7-3 record, and are on pace to secure the coveted twice-to-beat advantage.
Still, the graduating guard remains far from content with his current form, knowing that he has a lot left to work on in his wish to write the golden ending to his UAAP career.
“‘Yung pagiging consistent ko as a person din and sa basketball. Parang alam mo ‘yun? ‘Yung kahit pagod ka, all-out ka pa rin,” Alarcon said. “Excited ako na kung anong kalalabasan ng team namin, doon ako pinaka-naeexcite. Parang ‘yung vision namin bilang team.”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.