Arellano University has officially recorded the best start in its 17-year history in the NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament.
Its 3-0 start in NCAA Season 102 may come as a surprise, especially considering that the Chiefs have already made two Finals appearances, in 2014 and 2016.
However, for head coach Chico Manabat and his players, their unbeaten start is neither an added source of pressure nor something to be overly surprised about.
“Ang importante dito, lahat kami sama-sama and maghahanda kami ng maghahanda hanggang saan kami dalhin ng ganitong opportunity,” he said.
“We make sure na lahat ng opportunity na ibibigay sa amin, ‘di namin palalagpasin.”
The three-game winning streak to open the season is a testament to Manabat and his squad, whom he has consistently described as his “superheroes” and “minions” over the past week.
(C) NCAA
Notably, Manabat dubbed T-Mc Ongotan the Chiefs’ “Batman” after the point guard erupted for 26 points against Emilio Aguinaldo College, while Basti Valencia took on the role of “Robin.”
Both Ongotan and Valencia are graduating seniors for Arellano.
“Alam niyo naman itong dalawa parang Batman and Robin sila. Parehas naman nag-deliver, and then the rest, ‘yun ‘yung mga minions namin. Sama-sama sila, togetherness. Nakakatuwa,” said Manabat.
In Arellano’s 23-point drubbing of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday, another hero appeared to join the fray—“Iron Man” King Vinoya.
Vinoya was seen jokingly asking Manabat if he had earned the nickname by then, and after his 15-point performance against the Altas, the Chiefs head coach was more than willing to give him his due.
More than relying on his stars, Manabat explained that his constant mantra of togetherness has allowed his “minions” off the bench to seamlessly pick up where the starters left off.
“Like I said before, kung may Batman and Robin, ‘yung mga minions nagtrabaho sila. Coming off the bench talaga. Nakita naman namin, ‘yung minions trumabaho sila. Ang pinakaimportante talaga yung togetherness,” he added.
“Yung minions talaga sila yung kaninang bumuhay doon sa bench.”
Whatever other heroes Arellano may have in store, the dominance it has displayed this early in the season is a testament to how quickly a program can redirect its fortunes.
Coming off a 1-8 record and a ninth-place finish in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, the Chiefs have now emerged from the dark and put together the most impressive start in their nearly two-decade stint in the NCAA.
