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.
“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.
“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.
