When Ryan Monteclaro was offered the head coaching job of the Adamson University women’s basketball program before UAAP Season 86, he saw a young team. There was only one graduating player, Rose Ann Dampios, while there were six rookies and six sophomores.
But Monteclaro, who played for the Soaring Falcons in Seasons 73 to 77, did not have any second thoughts about accepting the offer from his alma mater.
“I think one of the things that I’m really proud of when I came in and even before I came in is loyalty,” said the first-year head coach on Sunday after getting his first win in the UAAP.
“I’m not after anything. If you’re going to ask, it’s not about the money, it’s not about the job itself; it’s about loyalty. Loyalty comes with a whole thing, something I cannot pass up.”
It was not the ideal start for Monteclaro and his Lady Falcons as they failed to get a win in their first four games, losing to the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University.
Then they finally made their breakthrough victory on Sunday in convincing fashion, crushing winless University of the East by 30, 71-41, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I had other offers before I accepted this, but then again, Adamson is Adamson,” said Monteclaro, who also coached defunct PBA 3×3 team J&T Express.
“I think the trust that was given to me, as I said last time, is something I’m really happy and grateful for because I’m too young to be in this position. Yet, as they say, I can still play, right?” shared the 32-year-old former playmaker.
“I’m still playing in the Pinoyliga, and I’m still competitive there, so I’m just giving everything I can, we can as a team, and it’s all about the school spirit.”
Last season, Adamson managed to earn five wins against nine losses, good for sixth place.
Monteclaro, with this big win over UE, hopes that this will be the beginning of their season’s turnaround with nine more games to play in the elimination round.
“May mga struggles pero getting this first win, hopefully ito na yung magiging breakthrough namin.”
Whatever happens, Monteclaro will always give his all for Adamson, the school that played a huge part in his basketball career – before as a player and now as a coach.
“UAAP will always be UAAP. Adamson will always have a special place in my heart.”
