In an exclusive interview by Rebanse last December 13, Patrick Sleat of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA shared his thoughts about his first season in the NCAA and his goals come Season 102.
Final Four: ✅ Finals: ???
Coming from the former Far Eastern University Tamaraw, he told Rebanse that they have achieved their first goal of making it to the semifinals this season and are now aiming to play in the biggest stage of the NCAA come 2026.
“Siyempre goal talaga namin, since nag Final Four na kami, sana mag Finals kami next year. Finals.”
The Altas was able to reach the final four of NCAA Season 101 after being the number one seed in Group A as well as earning the twice to beat advantage in the playoffs.
Patrick, along with his tag team partner, Mark Gojo Cruz, were able to easily beat the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the quarterfinals. But in the semis, they got swept by the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán.
Lot of Learnings, Lots of Ups and Downs
Rebanse also asked how would the 24 year old forward describe his first stint in the NCAA coming from the UAAP.
Sleat mentioned that there were a lot of things that he learned through the rollercoaster journey with the maroon and white but more importantly, he had fun while doing it.
“It was fun. And ayun nga, ang daming learnings, ang daming ups and downs and yun, ultimately grateful pa rin kase nakasama ko yung mga coaches ko dati.”
When Patrick transferred schools, he was actually brought along by the current Head Coach of the Altas, Olsen Racela.
The 6-foot-2 forward then acknowledged that he was able to build off-court relationships with his teammates which is something they have been aiming for since the start of the season.
“And may mga na-build kami ng mga teammates na magandang relationship na hindi lang namin madadala sa court, outside the court na rin. Kami naman talaga we’re about being together from the start palang.”
Bronze Medal for their Kuya’s
Back when the Altas got eliminated in the semis, Mark Gojo Cruz told reporters postgame that they are really aiming to win the bronze medal for their graduating players this season.
Photo Credits: Brian Callada
“Yun nga pumunta kami dito and we’re just happy to get the win for the seniors. Kase yun naman talaga ang sinabi ni Coach eh, its a test of character lalo yung mga ganitong games it takes a lot of motivation to play kase nga ‘Battle for Third’ but then we come up here and yun. We’re just trying to show them what character we have.”
The Perpetual Altas successfully made a podium finish as they beat College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 87 to 75 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
