The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas have been the biggest revelation in the 92nd Season of the NCAA. After losing Scottie Thompson to graduation, few expected the Altas to be an above .500 team, let alone make it to the Final Four.
But as the season progressed, the Altas, led by Gab Dagangon and Bright Akhuetie, made doubters into believers as they grinded out opponents left and right en route to the fourth seed in the post-season.
“Hindi namin in-expect tong ganitong sitwasyon this season. Akala din namin hindi kami makakapasok sa top four,” Perpetual head coach Jimwell Gican, who took over the post as mentor a few weeks before the season started, shared.
“Bagong sistema namin and yung mga players hindi masyado na-expose last year because of Scottie and Bright.”
But playing defense does indeed pay dividends. The cagers from Las Pinas have forced their opponents to score a league-low 66.3 points per game, allowing their opponents to shoot at just a 35 percent clip.
“Sistema namin is team talaga. Lahat may opportunity at may option. Pero hindi pa talaga sanay,” Gican added after Perpetual succumbed to San Beda in two games on Wednesday.
“Hindi naman overnight tapos magaling ka na. It takes time to improve at ma-perfect mga dapat gawin.”
Gican, a half glass full-type of person, shared that the gift of being in the post-season once more was something they would not take for granted – even if they were once again eliminated by San Beda for the fourth time in five years.
“We’re so blessed na nakarating kami at nanalo pa kaming isa. We’re so lucky na dumating kami sa ganung point,” he reflected.
“Ganun talaga buhay sa basketball minsan nasa taas minsan nasa ibaba.”
With an intact team heading into Season 93, Gican still continues to temper the expectations of the Perpetual community. But he vows to add a little showtime to his system that only scored 69.9 points this season.
“Next year may iba na. Yun talaga and pangalawang goal namin,” he said.
“Pag di kami nakapasok sa championship maiiba na sistema talaga. More on offense.”
