By: Bjorn Deade
Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s road to redemption begins with a new system under a new coach, a revamped roster, and fresh “zero” haircuts.
Head coach Allen Ricardo explained that this haircut symbolizes the humble mindset he aims to instill in the Knights for NCAA Season 100, a mentality he successfully imparted to Letran’s junior team, the Squires, who achieved back-to-back championships last season.
“You know why zero? You always start from the ground. You always stay humble, no matter what,” said Ricardo, who became the lead tactician of Letran’s collegiate squad in February.
“That’s why may reason bakit zero yung pinagugupit ko sa mga bata para makita rin yung unity nila as a team. Ma-appreciate ng community, ma-appreciate ng mga sumusuporta.”
In Season 99, Letran’s bid for a four-peat ended in disappointment after the Knights crashed out of the Final Four, finishing with a 2-16 record. However, with key roster changes during the offseason, the Knights enter Season 100 with renewed optimism. Ricardo credited Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin for influencing the team’s mindset shift.
“Well, we take it one game at a time. So, yun lang muna kami. But I’m excited this Sunday. I’m confident with the boys,” the first-time collegiate head coach said.
“Meron kaming tuneup versus Ateneo. So, we changed our principles a little bit. I would like to thank Ateneo and Coach Tab Baldwin for that.”
Ricardo also welcomed former Letran stars Rey Nambatac and Kevin Racal, who joined the coaching staff in May, bringing their championship experience to the table.
St. Clare College standout Jimboy Estrada and Letran Squires standout Jovel Baliling are expected to bolster the rebuilding lineup. Estrada impressed during the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, averaging 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
Meanwhile, Baliling contributed 9.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 steals during the Squires’ title run last season.
However, the Knights will have to do without 6-foot-1 Juniors Finals MVP Jonathan Manalili, who will miss the entirety of Season 100 due to an undisclosed injury.
Manalili played a crucial role in the Squires’ championship, posting averages of 22.0 points, 7.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 steals in the finals.
With Manalili sidelined, Ricardo is counting on Estrada, along with Edziel Galoy and Nathan Montecillo, to fill the playmaking void.
“Nandiyan si Edziel Galoy at tinitignan ko rin si Jimboy Estrada and then si Nathan Montecillo. So sila ‘yung mga possible na pwedeng pumalit kay Jonathan,” he said.
Team captain Pao Javollinar, despite serving a three-game suspension for playing in a professional game in Davao for Converge in July, will provide veteran leadership.
He will be joined by fellow holdovers from Letran’s Season 98 championship team, including Kobe Monje, Kevin Santos, and Rafael Go.
