ANTIPOLO CITY — The partnership between Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Miguel Corporation has been magical.
In the four years SMC has supported the Knights, the storied school captured three-straight NCAA Seniors Basketball crowns.
But it is unsure whether SMC will make its return to the school for Season 99.
“Di pa namin alam. Wala pa kaming update don,” said Knights head coach Bonnie Tan, who was named head coach of the Knights prior to Season 95.
If this was the last time SMC will back the Knights, it was a glorious run.
Back in Season 95, the Knights are the heavy underdogs of the series as they faced San Beda University who swept the entire eliminations with an unblemished 18-0 record.
The Knights though did the unthinkable slaying the Lions after winning the series in three games.
In Season 97, the champions from Muralla stacked their squad even more after getting Rhenz Abando and Brent Paraiso from University of Santo Tomas.
Just like Season 95, the Knights were able to get the championship. This time however, finishing the tournament undefeated, sweeping the eliminations and the finals.
This time around, Letran completed its three-peat in a hard-fought three games series against the College of St. Benilde.
Game Three of the Season 98 Finals was the first time San Miguel sports director and Special Assistant to the Letran Rector for Sports Development Alfrancis Chua was not around as all three of his teams in the PBA were playing at PhilSports Arena.
Still, Chua was hands-on in preparing the team during its week-long buildup to Game Three.
But of the three championships he has, the third one is arguably the toughest for Tan.
“Yung one-week preparation napakalaking bagay kasi ang daming adjustment lalo na sa rotation ng players. Malaking tulong at we trusted lang yung veteran players namin to play longer minutes. Altough nagka-cramps, natapos ng maayos,” added Tan.
Tan though is not thinking about his personal future with the Knights as well, saying that he will savor this moment first.
“Wala muna, mag-eenjoy muna kami.”
