It did not take long for Letran to realize the true value of its former head coach Jeff Napa.
After helping out during the Knights’ triumph in the NCAA Season 95 Seniors Basketball Tournament, Napa has officially returned the school, which has named him as the team’s consultant for Season 96.
Letran’s special assistant to the athletic director Alfrancis Chua made it official, late Tuesday evening during the team’s victory party.
“I am officially signing Jeff Napa as our team consultant from hereon out,” proclaimed Chua.
Early this year, Letran did not renew Napa after his three-year contract with the school ended. Napa compiled a 32-25 slate during his time, making it to the Final Four in Season 94.
A few days after his non-renewal, current Letran head coach Bonnie Tan — who is also the team manager of PBA club Northport Batang Pier — hired Napa to be an assistant to Pido Jarencio.
Needing help later on, Tan also tapped the services of Napa to help out Letran during the Stepladder. The product of National University did not turn a blind eye on Tan, helping train the Knights during their encounters with San Sebastian, Lyceum, and, eventually, San Beda.
“Malaking tulong si coach Jeff sa amin dito sa championship na ito, lalo na sa players,” Tan said about Napa.
“Siya ang bumuo ng team na ito at nakikinig talaga ‘yung players sa kanya.”
For his part, Napa is incredibly grateful for this new opportunity that Tan and Chua have given him.
“Masaya ako sa tiwalang binigay sa akin ni boss Al, coach Bonnie, boss Waiyip [Chong], at ng buong team. Hindi sila nagdalawang-isip na ibalik ako sa team.”
Letran will begin work early next year as it prepares for the 2019 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.
