Wednesday morning, Perlas Pilipinas head coach Patrick Aquno got to share the court once again with Ewon Arayi. This time around however, they were on different sides.
On one side, there was Aquino trying to steer the National University Lady Bulldogs to their 69th straight win. On the other, there was Arayi who is trying to bring back the Adamson Lady Falcons to prominence.
The game itself though was one-sided as the four-time, defending champions romped the upstarts, 92-62.
As the game ended, Aquino had a wide smile on his face. The decorated tactician was glad to see his former ward achieve one of her dreams.
“I’m happy, I’m so happy for her because na-fulfill na yung dream niya to be the coach of Adamson,” expressed Aquino. “Hopefully, she’ll do good and I wish her good luck. She’ll be one of my rivals and I’m expecting na lahat ng talent niya mabigay niya sa team niya.
“I’m wishing na lahat ng hard work na binigay niya sa larong ito would be seen in her team. That would be great for us sa women’s side ng basketball na yung leveling up ng teams would only lead to good things.”
The last time Arayi was called up for national team duties in the Asian-level was back in the 2015 FIBA Asia Women’s Championship. The 5-foot-10 forward averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists to help Team Pilipinas gain Division A status.
During the SEABA Championship a year later, Perlas would again dominate. However, she would become the tough cut Aquino had to make in the 2017 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
“It was great having her with me when she was with the RP Team. But there comes a time na you need changes.
“The thing is na na-coach ko siya at naglaro siya for us, she brought us to Level I and championships sa SEABA. Talagang I’m happy to see na yung mga players ko before naging coach na. Sana may naturo rin ako sa kanila na they could use with their teams,” shared Aquino
But even if Arayi was still at the peak of her powers, Aquino knew that Arayi would be a full-time someday. He believed that coaching the Adamson Lady Falcons was her birthright.
And having her in women’s basketball will only lead to good things for the sport.
“Yes! Actually, nung last two seasons ng Perlas, talagang gusto na niya mag-coach. I even asked her if she wanted to be my assistant sa national team wala namang problema,” disclosed Aquino.
“I think she has the talent to be one of the great coaches coming up.”
