THE CHAMPIONSHIP crown of men’s basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association returned to Mendiola the other day after the San Beda Red Lions completed a sweep of the Arellano Chiefs in their best-of-three finals. And while NCAA titles are no longer different for the school, its latest conquest carries special significance for the “selfless” manner with which it latched on it.
“This team was built to be selfless,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, following their championship-clinching victory, their ninth championship in 11 years and 20th overall.
But unlike the previous years when they were marked as title favorites right at season’s start and boasted of league stars, the latest batch of the Lions hovered “below the radar” and banked on a total team effort en route to winning the Season 92 championship, something that they take pride in.
“It’s always my trademark to use all my players, give them all the exposure and after the season you make a bond that will last forever and this one is for the books and I’m very happy. God is good,” he added.
That the title came a year as well after they lost in a heart-breaking finals series to rivals Letran Knights made it all the more satisfying for the Lions.
“It was a heartbreaking loss last year, it took me a year to get back here. I’m just happy with this win and title,” said Mr. Jarin, who felt he was able to redeem himself after falling short in his first year at the helm of the Lions in Season 91.
Like the way they played for most the season, San Beda relied on a balanced attack in seizing the title on Tuesday at the jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena.
Five players scored in double figures led by finals most valuable player Arnaud Noah with 18 points, to go along with 11 rebounds. The Cameroonian stepped up in the absence of top big man Donald Tankoua, who was made to miss the rest of Season 92 after suffering an ACL injury midway into the tournament.
AC Soberano had 16 and Robert Bolick had 10 points. Javee Mocon and Davon Potts had 10 each.
“Credit should really go to the 15 young men. They are the true star of this win and championship,” said Mr. Jarin.
Now back on top in men’s basketball in the country’s longest-standing league, Mr. Jarin said they will try their best to defend the title next year with a core that will lose captain Dan Sara to graduation.
“We will pretty much have the same team and will take cue from this and continue to play selfless basketball,” the San Beda coach said.
© MYBigBrother Mike Murillo | BusinessWorldOnline