By: Miguel Caramoan
Despite enduring the grind of the NCAA Season 101 basketball tournaments, San Sebastian College-Recoletos has been waging battles that extend far beyond the hardwood.
Their 82-81 victory over the Letran Knights was more than just another mark in the win column — it was a hard-earned reward for their perseverance.
The win improved San Sebastian’s record to 2-7 to close out crossover play, a number that hardly reflects the grit and sacrifice behind their campaign.
Following the conclusion of NCAA Season 100, businessman Jackson Chua, owner of Red Dynasty and Baketech Solutions, took over the San Sebastian basketball program.
Chua immediately set a new direction for the school, appointing Rob Labagala as head coach of the Golden Stags and Chelito Caro as head coach of the Staglets.
To bolster its seniors roster, San Sebastian brought in a new generation of talent, including Jhuniel Dela Rama, Jaime and Jordi Gomez de Liano, Ian Cuajao, Thomas Pillado, Gab Nepacena, and RJ Colonia.
Meanwhile, the Staglets secured the commitment of UAAP Season 87 Mythical Team member Mark Esperanza, one of the most promising prospects in high school basketball.
However, Labagala revealed that their teams have been competing under extremely difficult circumstances, going four months without receiving their salaries and allowances — a harsh reality that has tested the resolve of both players and staff.
In fact, senior Paeng Are skipped his final year in the middle of the season to join Zamboanga Sikat in the MPBL.
“Just to give you an idea, wala kaming salary for four months and allowances, but we continue to fight,” Labagala said after their conquest of Letran that gave them their second win in the seniors division.
“So hindi lang we fight here dito sa court, we’re also fighting for our lives.”
(C) NCAA/GMA
For the Stags, every game has become more than just a measure of basketball.
Labagala admitted that the situation has taken a toll on his players, who continue to show up and give their all despite the uncertainty surrounding them.
“If you can only realize and put yourselves in our position, how our players are fighting for it, going into the game with a baggage na meron na kami,” he shared.
“But we play with heart.”
Labagala, a former UE Red Warrior, added that although a partial payment was recently made, it wasn’t enough to fully cover the months-long delay.
“Two weeks ago or one week, I think — we’re four months ahead kasi — may natanggap kami na partial, but some of our guys didn’t receive,” he said.
“Siyempre it’s a running bill, so nagkaroon uli ng four months. It’s a struggle on our part, with the coaches. Kaya I want to commend our coaches for their commitment.”
The San Sebastian mentor clarified that the school continues to support the team within its means, but the issue primarily stems from their external sponsor.
“School is supporting us, nandoon naman. Pero siyempre limited,” Labagala admitted.
“We have a sponsor kasi, but our sponsor right now, sad to say they weren’t able to deliver. I hope ma-bless sana siya, kasi kami din ma-bless.”
Through all the challenges, the Golden Stags have chosen to keep fighting — not just for victories, but for one another.
“Hindi lang kami lumalaban sa basketball court, lumalaban din kami sa buhay,” Labagala said with conviction.
