Former Letran head coach Jeff Napa firmly believes that this batch of Knights has what it takes to topple Lyceum in the Final Four.
“Hindi na mangyayari ‘yung last year kasi healthy ang team,” said the former Knights mentor, who handled the team from Seasons 92 to 94.
The last game Napa coached for Letran was a painful pill to swallow for him.
Back in October 26 of last year, his Knights — led by Bong Quinto and JP Calvo, but without Jerrick Balanza — were keeping pace with the CJ Perez-powered Pirates for a good 24 minutes and 55 seconds. They’d even gained a 56-55 lead.
However, disaster struck the Knights. Calvo crashed into Mike Nzeusseu, resulting in a high ankle sprain. The Pirates then took advantage, using their nightmare press to stifle Fran Yu.
What was once a close game ended up as an 85-109 rout that ended their campaign.
With that pain of that loss still lingering, Napa knows that the Knights — especially Balanza and Yu — will not allow themselves to lose that way again come Friday.
“Definitely, handa itong team na ito. Last year, puro injuries eh. Ngayon, healthy ‘yung team, so confident ako na lalaro sila ng tama at gagawin nila yung best nila para makuha yung panalo,” said Napa, who is still helping out the Knights as current Letran mentor Bonnie Tan is his team manager in NorthPort.
“Itong semifinals na ito, depensahan naman. May the best team win, pero mas gusto ko manalo ang Letran. I’m pretty sure ‘yung mga bata, gusto nilang makabawi at lalaro sila ng maayos.”
