The return of fifth year multi-position player Kevin Racal could not be any more sweeter.
Who would have expected the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, who are in the midst of a new era, a new coach, and a new system, power their way to a still-perfect record midway through the 91st season of the NCAA. But how did coach Aldin Ayo and the Knights do it? Through pure grit and individual sacrifices done for the betterment of the team.
A prime example of the individual sacrifice done by the players can be best seen in the game of Kevin Racal. Racal, who used to play the two and three spots for Letran, is forced to play the four spot for the undersized Knights. “Nahihiya nga ako kay K-Racs kasi two or three siya pero sa system ko four siya,” rookie head coach Aldin Ayo said about Kevin Racal.
Last Friday, the Knights defeated the Arellano University Chiefs 77-68 to keep the school’s six game-winning streak. Racal exploded for 24 points (including nine points from downtown), and five rebounds, his best game of the season. “It is a testament to his versatility,” Ayo said about K-Racs transition to the four spot.
Racal is currently averaging 11.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
Other nominees for the NCAA Player of the Week this week were:
Allwell Oraeme (MIT)
Mapua def. Lyceum, 109-95 (July 31, 2015)
Stats: 26 points, 20 rebounds, five blocks
Art dela Cruz (SBC)
San Beda def. Perpetual, 83-81 (July 28, 2015)
Stats: 25 points, 17 rebounds, six assists
Francis Munsayac (EAC)
Emilio Aguinaldo def. San Sebastian, 77-71 (July 31, 2015)
Stats: 11 points, five assists, and three steals
Rey Nambatac (CSJL)
Letran def. Arellano, 77-68 (July 31, 2015)
Stats: 13 points, ten rebounds, two assists, and two steals
