Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

AU

Jerry Codinera anoints Levi Dela Cruz as ‘The Coaster Driver’


Fifth-year Arellano University head coach Jerry Codinera could not hide his glee after the Chiefs were given a chance to fight another day on Tuesday afternoon, as his team blasted the Mapua Cardinals, 81-64.

Usually soft-spoken, the PBA legend was filled with humor after the game, throwing out nicknames to one of the heroes of the game, Levi dela Cruz.

“He’s a mini version of [Jiovani] Jalalon,” quipped Codinera about his 5-foot-7 guard.

“The Mini Bus Driver! Mini Bus! Coaster!”

Jalalon is one of the most beloved student-athletes Arellano has produced. Dubbed the Bus Driver during his collegiate days that saw him steer the Chief to two Finals appearances, the moniker has spun off to Kent Salado, who is called “The Conductor” of Arellano. And the “Bus” family welcomed its third member in Dela Cruz.

“For a rookie, outstanding siya. I think he’s the third best player in our team,” remarked Codinera, with Salado and Lervin Flores as his top two student-athletes, “Napakalaki ng future niya.”

Dela Cruz, a former NU Bulldog, finished the game with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting to go along with five assists. And for him, his outing was a result of him listening to the advice of his seniors Jalalon and Salado.NCAA-93-AU-MU-Dela-Cruz-5094 Jerry Codinera anoints Levi Dela Cruz as 'The Coaster Driver' AU Basketball NCAA News  - philippine sports news

“Yung mga advice nila Kent sa akin, nila Kuya Jio, talagang pinapakinggan ko lang talaga sila,” shared the native of Davao City, “Ang sa akin lang, talagang mage-extra work lang ng mag-extra work, para ready po ako lagi every time na may darating na pagsubok sa team namin, maging successful kami.”

Though he drew high praise from his mentor, Dela Cruz is taking it in stride as he simply looks to help Arellano reach the Final Four once more.

#ReadMore  NCAA reverts to double-headers; San Beda vs Lyceum to tip off Season 100

“Ang layo pa eh,” he remarked regarding Codinera’s comparison between him and Jalalon, “Nacha-challenge naman ako pag ginaganoon ako ni Coach Jerry, lalong-lalo na pag nagkakamali ako, lagi niya pong kino-correct.

“Nakikinig lang ako sa kanya at ginagawa ko yung best ko para maitama ko sa mga next game namin. Learning process nga diba?”

Safe to say, Dela Cruz has taken the wheel for the Chiefs since The Conductor was sidelined.

Written By




You May Also Like

AU

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines flexed its might in the quarterfinals of the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by...

AU

University of Santo Tomas became the first team from the UAAP Group to clinch a playoff berth in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil...

AU

Zed Etulle delivered in the clutch to help San Beda snap its losing streak in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented...

AU

In a testy, physical showdown between UAAP rivals, La Salle held off a furious late rally from National University to stay unbeaten in the...

AdU

Adamson University finally barged into the win column of the Playtime Cares Filoil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive after outlasting University...

AdU

Far Eastern University needed every bit of Mo Konateh’s dominance to hold off Adamson University, eking out a gritty 68-66 overtime win in the...

AU

Emilio Aguinaldo College extended its winning streak to four games and forged a tie with Letran for the top spot in the NCAA standings...

AU

Letran leaned on a second-half surge to end Benilde’s perfect run in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile...

Advertisement