Colegio de San Juan de Letrán’s star rookie Jonathan “Titing” Manalili addresses the media that he doesn’t care about winning any personal awards after losing in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball finals last December 10 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
“Best Point Guard in the NCAA..inyo na yan”
Prior to the tip-off of Game 1, back when San Beda University beat the College of Saint Benilde on December 7, Head Coach Yuri Escueta told reporters during the postgame interview that he believes his guard, Nygel Gonzales, is the best Point Guard right now in the NCAA.
Now down 0-1 in the Best of Three finals series, Titing was asked postgame if these remarks from Coach Yuri fueled his game entering the match. His response? His main goal is to win the title and not earn “any useless titles.”
“Sa akin naman ok na ako. Sa inyo na yang mga award na yan. Nag ensayo ako simula January pa para sa team hindi yung para sa sarili ko lang. Kung ano man yang mga sinasabi ng ibang tao or yung mga awards na yan, ‘Best Point Guard’ na yan, ok na ako, sa inyo na yan.”
He then proceeded to tell the media that what matters the most for him right now is what would benefit his team the most, since all of his personal accomplishments were already achieved back when he was still part of the Juniors Division team of Letrán.
“I’m not here to prove anything for myself. Ok na ako, sa Juniors ok naman na yung nakuha kong [mga] award. Ok na ako. Nandito ako para mag-champion yung team ko.”
The 21-year-old guard was then asked what his experience was in the match-up against the player he viewed as better than him, which was Nygel Gonzales.
He responded that despite the comparison, they are actually friends, and his defense was on an elite level when they played one another.
“Siyempre ok naman. Nandoon yung pressure, ayun trinabaho niya kung paano ako dedepensahan. Ok ako kay Nygel, tropa naman kami. So ayun, ok na ako.”
1st Ever Finals Experience of the San Beda vs Letrán Rivalry
The Letrán Squires standout then shared his realization of playing in his first-ever San Beda vs Letrán finals matchup.
Saying that he did have some pressure at first, but after suffering an opening game loss, he understands what the atmosphere was like and now knows what must be adjusted come the next game.
“Ok naman, may pressure kase nga first time [tapos] rookie year ko. Pero ngayon, alam ko na. Na-feel ko na yung crowd, yung game, so papanoorin ko ulit yung game, yung [mga] nagawa kong mali and babaguhin ko sa Game 2.”
Titing, despite leading all players from the Letrán Knights in scoring with 17 points, fouled out in the 4th quarter to go along with 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and a horrible 3 turnovers.
When asked what was discussed in their postgame huddle, he told Rebanse that they will definitely adjust to their defensive lapses come Game 2.
“Mag a-adjust kami. Siyempre yung mga [defensive] lapses namin diyan sa court lalo na kanina sa game 1. Medyo ‘di nag work yung game plan namin ngayong game 1.”
Titing added that Head Coach Allen Ricardo now knows what must be done this Saturday and told his players that they should be excited.
“So babaguhin namin and yun sabi naman kanina ni Coach, alam na niya yung gagawin niya yung adjustment niya sa game 2 so dapat kami mag excite kasi alam nila yung gagawin namin sa game 2.”
Maintain the Defensive Quarter they had in Game 1
When Rebanse asked Jonathan what the good things or habits the Knights can pick up from this loss, he responded that they wish they can replicate the defensive effort they had in the 4th quarter come next game.
“Yung huling defense namin. Yun yung nakita naming good para sa team. So mas ta-trabahuhin pa namin sa game 2.”
In the last quarter of Game 1, the Knights actually put up a better defensive display with a 22 to 21 score.
He then added that in order to regain his usual number in the assists department, come game 2, his eagerness must be toned down.
“Babawasan ko gigil ko.”
Game 2 of the Knights against the San Beda Red Lions will happen this Saturday, December 13, which will still be at the Big Dome at 2:00 PM.
