Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Allen Ricardo’s ‘zero’ haircuts symbolize fresh start for Letran


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.”

NCAA-Season-99-Juniors-Basketball-San-Beda-def-Letran-Allen-Ricardo Allen Ricardo's 'zero' haircuts symbolize fresh start for Letran Basketball CSJL NCAA News  - philippine sports newsRicardo also welcomed former Letran stars Rey Nambatac and Kevin Racal, who joined the coaching staff in May, bringing their championship experience to the table.

#ReadMore  NCAA 98: Letran continues mastery over Benilde, seizes top spot

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.

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...

AdU

De La Salle University completed a clean sweep of the elimination round, while defending UAAP champion University of the Philippines wrapped up with back-to-back...

3x3 Basketball

One of the longest seasons in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines has officially come to a close, Tuesday...

AdU

Adamson University-ARQ Builders escaped with a heart-pounding 86-84 overtime win against University of Santo Tomas-Weng Burs Apartelle to capture the 2025 Mayor Kirk Asis...

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...

Basketball

Letran extended its winning streak to four games with an 84–73 victory over Jose Rizal University, seizing the top spot in the NCAA Bracket...

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...

Basketball

Chicco Briones celebrated his 23rd birthday in style, exploding for 21 points to lead University of the Philippines past Far Eastern University, 75–65, and...

Advertisement