Dan Sara had been part of the highly-touted recruitment class of 2011 that included the likes of Kiefer Ravena, Baser Amer, Mike Tolomia, Gelo Alolino, Kevin Ferrer, Russel Esocoto — just to name a few.
But Sara’s growth as a basketball player hit a roadblock during his rookie year, as he left the De La Salle University Green Archers to return back home to Mendiola. But playing together with batchmate Amer, the two won three championships with the Red Lions. Being in a team alongside the now-Meralco Bolts player deflected all the limelight away from him.
Now in his last year with San Beda, the 23-year-old has become the glue guy keeping the Red Lions, a team composed of lethal scorers, together. The skipper has also become head coach Jamike Jarin’s extra voice on the court – even if the second year head coach has been tough on Sara at times.
The low-key Sara, whose game is not flashy but is effective, played arguably his best all-around game in his four-year stay in Mendiola on Friday afternoon, during Game One of the NCAA Seniors Basketball finals. Even if he shot a horrid 1-of-10 from the field, the Cagayan de Oro-native tallied six points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, helping steer San Beda to an 88-85 win over Arellano.
Sara’s performance did not go unnoticed by Jarin after the game.
“I have to commend all the 15 men playing or not playing, they did their job,” said Jarin, who had also handled his batchmates in the 2010-11 youth team. “But I have to take my hat off to the captain Dan Sara.”
“This is what I what I was expecting of him.”
“Kinilig ako. After injuries ko, he’s been so patient to me, in all honesty,” admitted Sara, who has missed three games this season due to a wrist injury.
“It’s like an up and down relationship for the both of us kasi nga I got injured, nahirapan ako bumalik.”
After playing for three coaches in his NCAA career, Sara is thankful to have Jarin as his mentor, teacher, and father-figure in his last playing year.
“I’m glad and proud to say na he’s my coach, he’s my mentor, and he’s so patient with me.”
And the sentiment is shared by his mentor.
“Now he’s coming of age.”
“Start of the season he was a young man trying to finish college. Now, he’s a matured man trying to conquer the world,” Jarin said.
“And I am blessed to have him.”
