By: Miguel Caramoan
It was a challenging NCAA Season 101 on and off the court for San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
But amid the turbulence, one undeniable bright spot emerged in freshman forward Jhuniel Dela Rama.
The former Letran Squire quickly became the Stags’ most reliable option, leading the team in scoring during the eliminations with 13.6 points per game, while also averaging 10.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals.
The 6-foot-2 winger from Leyte delivered when San Sebastian needed him most, knocking down back-to-back game-winners against Letran and Perpetual to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Even in their 70-63 play-in loss to the LPU Pirates that ended their season, Dela Rama carried the load, finishing with 17 points and 15 rebounds in the defeat.
And despite the disappointing finish, the rookie remained level-headed, choosing to focus on the growth the team achieved.
“Para sa akin, nakakalungkot. Nalulungkot ako sa team namin dahil alam naman namin na kaya, kaso parang na-short lang talaga kami. Pero ito, malaking bagay na rin para sa amin to, as a rookie nanalo kami ng tatlo — nakakataba ng puso,” said Dela Rama.
Throughout the season, the 19-year-old consistently provided energy and production for a Golden Stags squad dealing with internal setbacks.
His on-ball scoring, willingness to crash the boards, and ability to generate second-chance opportunities allowed San Sebastian to stay competitive even when their offense stalled.
“Hindi ko naman ine-expect yung performance, parang go with the system lang po and naghihintay lang ako na dumating sa akin yung bola tsaka bigyan ako ng play ni Coach. Ginagawa ko lang yung tama sa court,” he added.
Heading into the offseason, questions now surround the direction of the Golden Stags’ program after another turbulent year.
Paeng Are’s departure to Zamboanga Sikat in the MPBL started a chain of issues, followed by revelations from Coach Rob Labagala about delays in player allowances from businessman Jackson Chua, owner of Red Dynasty and Baketech Solutions — problems that loomed over their campaign.
As one of the top young prospects in college basketball, Dela Rama now waits alongside the rest of the roster for clarity on what comes next, with guidance from Coach Labagala.
Whether it’s a transfer to another NCAA school, a move to a UAAP program, or staying with San Sebastian, the future remains uncertain for Dela Rama.
“Parang hindi pa namin alam kung ano po mangyayari sa amin, kasi ayun nga po maraming problema at hindi po namin alam kung sino ang papasok na bago or kung sino man. Naghihintay lang po kami kay Coach,” he said.
“Kung bibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, sasama ako kay Coach Rob kung saan siya. Siya na bahala kung saan niya ako ibibigay.”
