Colegio de San Juan de Letran head coach Allen Ricardo said he is dedicating the Squires’ NCAA Season 98 title to the late coach Fred Reyes, who was at the helm of the juniors team the last time the school captured a double championship.
Letran last held the double championship - both the men's basketball and juniors' basketball titles in the same athletic calendar - back in 1983.
With the Squires' win in Game Two of the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball Finals on Thursday, Letran accomplished the feat again, and it's made extra special for Ricardo that he was the one to duplicate what his old mentor did in the past.
“It’s so sweet kasi nung 1983, that was Coach Fred Reyes — my late coach,” shared Ricardo, who played under Reyes’ tutelage in various semi-professional and commercial leagues.
“I also dedicate this game to him. Namatay siya doon sa New Jersey, hindi na kami nagkita.”
("It's so sweet because in 1983, that was Coach Fred Reyes - my late coach. I also dedicate this game to him. He passed away in New Jersey, we were not able to see each other before then.")
But Ricardo had his old coach's words in his head as the Squires completed the sweep of the best-of-three Finals against College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Green Hills.
“I promised to myself… sabi ko kailangan makuha ko ‘to. Lagi niyang sinasabi na ‘pag nabigyan ka ng break, ‘wag mong sasayangin.”
("I promised to myself, I said we need to get this. He always said that if you're given a break, don't waste it.")
Prior to this, the title had been elusive for the Squires, going without a championship for 22 years with the last time they hoisted the crown coming in 2001.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
