Renren Ritualo’s debut as the head coach of La Salle Green Hills in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Tournament was not a successful one as his team suffered a 70-74 defeat at the hands of Mapua University.
The game was marred by 24 turnovers which resulted in 25 points, 27 perimeter points, and 46 bench points. It was also a struggle for the team as they only made 17 of 37 free throws.
For Ritualo, the experience of coaching from the sidelines was quite different from what he was used to as a player, assistant coach, and skills coach.
“It’s really different because I’m on the bench and I’m not used to it yet. If you know me, you know that I’m not used to being on the bench,” said the 43-year-old La Salle legend.
“But now, this is my role, to share my knowledge and impart my experience with the kids and my players. That’s what I’m doing now. Of course, I know it won’t be easy, but I also know that life goes on and we have to keep moving forward,” he added.
Prior to becoming the head coach of the Greenies, Ritualo served as an assistant coach at Adamson University alongside Franz Pumaren and as a skills coach for players like Jeron Teng and LSGH. He is still adjusting to this new environment and aims to compete with more experienced coaches like the Red Robins’ mentor, Yong Garcia.
The former PBA champion is now faced with a new challenge, as he needs to call the shots in real-time when coaching teenagers, which is different from directing professional players who just need to be told what plays to execute.
“When I was playing, I played with my instincts. Now, I have to coach with my instincts and use my brain a lot, which is really different. I can’t be emotional and I have to control myself,” shared Ritualo.
Despite the challenges, Ritualo is determined to make his coaching stint a success and seeks to transfer the knowledge he gained from coaches like Franz Pumaren, Ato Badolato, and Chot Reyes to players like Seven Gagate, Manuel Pablo, and Rod Alian.
He believes that one defeat should not ruin a campaign and that there will be more lessons to be learned and hopefully, more wins to come as LSGH aims to win back the championship it last won in Season 93.
“Of course, I want to impart what I learned from my previous coaches to my players. That’s what I’m doing,” said Ritualo.
He and his Greenies will have another chance to bounce back against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday at the same venue.
