During the postgame interview last November 28 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán Head Coach Allen Ricardo had a simple message to his team after making it to the Final Foul of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball.
To Jonathan Manalili, Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada, just play hard and take care of business
In just his 2nd year of being the Head Coach of the Letrán Knights, Coach Allen has now made it to the Final Four.
A vital reason for this accomplishment is due to Letrán’s brand new trio of Jonathan “Titing” Manalili, Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada.
When Rebanse asked the Sophomore Coach on what he would want to see from his players now that they are in the semifinals, he kept it simple by saying “just play hard and take care of business.”
He then further elaborated it by saying:
“At the end of the day, playing hard is the most important thing, you know? Kailangan din, I mean not just playing hard but you also have to play smart enough especially dealing with Perpetual. Because ang galing mag execute ng Perpetual eh. So hindi ka pwedeng ma-ca-caught napping diyan eh. Split second talagang sho-shootan ka nila.”
In the win of the Knights, they erased the twice to beat advantage of the Arellano University 77 – 69. Back in their 1st quarterfinals win, Coach Allen credited the Best Player of the match, Kevin Santos, as he had changed a lot compared to last Season 100.
The trio of Manalili, Santos and Estrada were extremely unstoppable on both ends of the floor.
Titing is the teams’ playmaker/facilitator as he had 3 points along with 12 assists while Kevin is their man in the perimeter and in the paint as he scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. And finally, Jimboy is Letrán’s offensive super scorer as he had 19 points, shooting 3 out of 4 three pointers to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
With the performance of those three noble knights, the Letránistas were able to book a ticket to the Final Four.
Year 1 – Missed the Playoffs | Year 2 – Final Four
When asked about his personal side of coaching, the 39 year old mentor just said he is just blessed to be given this opportunity to coach Colegio de San Juan de Letrán and in just Year 2 of Coaching, they are now in the semifinals.
“Well what can I say, I’m thankful na to be given to lead Letrán Knights. So for me as a sophomore for this league I keep, trying to keep better. I always study the film, I always ask with the veteran coaches. Coaching doesn’t stop for me so talagang kung ano pa yung mga dapat kong makuha, matutunan.”
Prior to his Senior’s debut last season, Coach Allen led the junior team of Letrán called the “squires” to winning 2 titles.
He then credited his former Assistant Coach last year, Kerby Raymundo, on the current success of his team now.
“Also I would like to acknowledge Kerby Raymundo because siya yung isa sa mga reason behind noong nag struggle kami ng team, nandiyan siya, yung experience niya shinare niya sa akin at sa mga bata and I appreciate it.”
Kerby is a veteran PBA player and has played in the league for 13 years. He played for Red Bull Barako, Purefoods/B-Meg, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Kerby was also a NCAA Season 75 MVP and was a vital piece in Letran’s championship runs in Seasons 74 and 75.
Estrada on what improved with him the most – “Sa akin siguro yung pasensya ko”
Now that he is experiencing his first Final Four ever, the 23 year old admitted that one thing that changed or improved with him the most is his patience and listening to the other guards of his team.
“Sa akin siguro yung pasensya ko tsaka yun nga yung pakikinig sa mga guwardya kase ayun nga dumating yung [Titing] Manalili namin so adjust talaga ako.”
Rebanse then asked what are the conversations between him and his other co-stars Manalili and Santos now that they will now play in the Final Four.
“Ah ano lang, excited na akong makalaro sila kase ayun nga Final Four, first time ko. Ano lang kami, recover lang kami ngayon. Enjoyin lang namin tong panalo na to tas balik kami sa trabaho.”
Colegio de San Juan de Letrán will face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at the SMART Araneta Coliseum this December 2 (Tuesday) at 11:00 AM for their Best of Three Semifinals clash.
