In the realm of collegiate basketball, one of the two biggest rivalries is between Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Beda University.
With the preseason underway, new Knights head coach Rensy Bajar emphasized the crucial role of mental preparedness in facing any formidable opponent, particularly their long-standing rivals, the Red Lions.
However, the Wangs Basketball and Bacoor Strikers-backed squad recently encountered a setback as they suffered defeat at the hands of the Marinerong Pilipino-backedRed Lions in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup last Wednesday.
Despite this loss, Bajar remains resolute, emphasizing that the insults he receives as a former Bedan turned Letran coach will not deter his pursuit of success. For him, basketball is basketball, and his unwavering commitment to his team overrides any external factors.
“Ano naman, same pa rin eh kasi siyempre as a coach kahit San Beda or kahit anong game yan basta ako naman, siyempre, every game kailangan napaghahandaan namin, napaghahandaan ko mentally,” Bajar shared.
“And ‘yung sa game situation, so nothing special naman, but siyempre ‘yung lait ata sa akin from San Beda ako, tapos ngayon I’m coaching Letran, kumbaga at the end of the day basketball pa rin naman.
“And I’m a coach, then ‘yun ang trabaho na kailangan ko gampanan as a coach,” he added.
The defeat against the Red Lions provided valuable insights for Bajar and his coaching staff. They identified the team’s chemistry as an area that requires further refinement.
With the departure of key players such as Fran Yu, Louie Sangalang, King Caralipio, Brent Paraiso, and Tommy Olivario, Bajar stressed the need for the remaining players to elevate their game if they want to secure victories in the upcoming season.
(C) PBA Images
“Yung kailangan namin ma-improve pa is ‘yung chemistry nung team kasi halos marami rin nawala sa amin, ngayon may mga players kami na halos lahat sa mga ibang leagues,” he said.
“So di kami halos makapag… ma-kumpleto, so ‘yun ‘yung kailangan namin ma-work, especially habang maaga mabuo mo ‘yung chemistry nung team, so ‘yun ‘yung kailangan namin gawin.”
When questioned about the differences between his team and San Beda, Bajar admitted that apart from seniors Pao Javilionar and Kurt Reyson, it’s difficult to predict who will step up for the Knights.
Nevertheless, this year’s clash between San Beda and Letran carries an exhilarating element, as Bajar believes any young player can emerge unexpectedly and assume a leadership role.
“Siyempre ang difference sa amin ngayon kasi hindi mo alam kung sino ‘yung mag ii-step up eh. Kasi ultimo ‘yung mga off the bench player namin, maganda ‘yung pinapakita ngayon, so which is kumbaga, sinusuklian din naman namin,” said Bajar, who is also an assistant coach in NorthPort.
“Ang [nagiba] lang dun is siyempre bumata kami, so ‘yun ‘yung naging gusto namin maging advantage na mas lalo kami manggigil at ipakita na ‘yung energy, at the same time, maging excited lagi sa game.
“So San Beda naman halos di pa rin naman nila team ‘yun, pero mas siyempre, bumata rin sila ngayon, then pantay lang, halos parehas lang lineup namin,” he continued.
As Letran prepares for the challenges that lie ahead in NCAA Season 99, there is a sense of anticipation surrounding their preseason games.
These matches will serve as a platform to uncover the team’s strengths and weaknesses before their highly anticipated showdown against San Beda on June 6 in the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
