After two years of waiting, George Diamante has finally reunited with head coach Allen Ricardo and Titing Manalili.
The 6-foot-4 undersized bruiser was a key piece in Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s title runs in the Season 98 and 99 Juniors tournaments, earning All-Defensive Team honors in 2023 and a spot on the Mythical Team in 2024.
Following his dominant run with the Squires, Diamante had to sit out for two years as he entered senior high school. Now, as the Knights aim for redemption in NCAA Season 102, the long wait for the 21-year-old’s return is finally over.
For Diamante, the journey to the seniors division has not been easy. However, his prolonged layover gave him an opportunity to work on himself and further develop his game.
“Maraming challenges talaga at hindi naging madali ‘yon. Pero always ako nagpe-prepare para kapag time to shine ko na,” said the 21-year-old native of Davao City.
He also spent time in the Junior MPBL during his stint away from the NCAA.
In a game where Ricardo highlighted Letran’s lack of rebounding, Diamante did most of the work on the boards for the Knights.
Despite being held scoreless in their 99-62 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Diamante hauled in a game-high 10 rebounds for Letran, a statline reminiscent of his days with the Squires.
“Nag-prepare lang ako sa game na ‘to. Tsaka sabi nga ng coaches namin, dapat always ready lang,” he added.
While he is still slowly settling into the undersized Knights lineup, Diamante hopes to provide some much-needed size for Letran, as he has done in their first two games of the season.
With the Knights remaining undefeated in NCAA Season 102, Diamante is simply happy to be reunited with his longtime teammates and coaches and hopes to replicate his success with the Squires on the seniors stage.
“Siguro yung magtulungan lang kami sa loob ng court at magbigay ng impact sa game,” he said when asked what he was looking forward to the most.
