Arellano University had a very disappointing preseason campaign.
Marred by injuries, the Chiefs — who finished as the second seed in Group A last season — managed just one win in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
It was a similar story in their other preseason campaigns.
“Mga last playing year pa ‘yung mga na-injure sa amin, supposedly mga leader,” lamented Chico Manabat, who is entering his third year as the Chiefs’ head coach.
One of those players who played through injuries during that stretch was graduating senior T-Mc Ongotan.
Ongotan, however, wasted no time reintroducing himself, exploding for 23 points in Arellano’s dominant 98-72 win over San Sebastian on Monday to open their NCAA Season 102 campaign.
The victory also came at an opportune time for Manabat, who is expecting rookie Ray Ladica to return soon after battling a ligament injury.
“Siguro next game pwede na. Kasi malaking factor, although rookie siya, parang mama siya. All the stats meron siya. Fighter ‘yan,” he shared.
Despite finally having a healthier lineup, Manabat is not letting go of the underdog mentality he has instilled in the Chiefs.
“Actually, wala nga kaming dark horse [label] dahil sa preseason namin, sablay kami 1-8. Good thing na ito namang balik sa amin,” he said.
After all, his players have been underdogs for most of their lives.
Many were rejected by established programs and had to make their names in the ‘ligang labas.’ Now, they have found a home in Arellano, where they hope to lead the program to a breakthrough title.
“Hindi tayo magbabase doon sa isang talent lang. We base on togetherness. A lot of teams, talent matters sa kanila. Pero sa amin, togetherness matters more,” Manabat added.
“Ito ‘yung mga bata na nawalan ng team, ito ‘yung mga bata na walk-in. Now, they play together, and they enjoy, so mas maganda ‘yun.”
