The San Beda College Red Lions are the only team this season to have played 21 games after going through a playoff for the top spot and ending the elimination round by outlasting the Perpetual Altas in two Final Four games. Moreover, three of their players have logged in 495 minutes or more this season (Robert Bolick – 495 minutes, Javee Mocon – 579.7, Davon Potts – 588.3).
After losing six players to graduation a year ago, losing ace big man Donald Tankoua to an ACL injury exactly 46 days ago, and given the length of their season, San Beda head coach Jamike Jarin sees his team as the underdogs against the Arellano Chiefs, a team that has had the luxury of rest entering the Finals.
“You lose your six best players from last year, you lose your best center during the season. You end up number one, you still go up to the finals, we’re struggling,” the 46-year-old mentor reflected.
“We are the underdogs.
“Let’s say for example, you get the first five of Arellano and the first five of Mapua. Will they be here in the Final Four? If [Allwell] Oraeme is not playing this season, if Bright Akhuetie is not playing. Their entire first five, will they be in the final four? I don’t know,” he pointed out.
“You lose your best center who is averaging 16 and 12, and we’re still [here] – we are the underdog here. We’re just doing something right I think, and hopefully we keep doing the right things.”
When asked what they are doing right, the second-year Red Lions head coach simply quipped, “Scoring more baskets than them.”
The journey of this batch of Red Lions has been a tough ride. Moreover, it has been equally tough for Jarin, as the San Beda community has kept a close eye on his coaching efforts this season after failing to win the crown last year.
Even with this, the San Beda alumnus has always stayed with his values and morals, turning a blind eye on his critics all throughout the season. And as a mentor to an elite group of young men, he has kept his stance that winning is just the result of what he has taught his students.
“I’m just a simple coach who wants to win and prepare this young men in the game of life,” he stressed.
“It’s all about giving your best. Of course you care about the winning, but it’s about the togetherness that you will cherish in a lifetime.”
