Perpetual Junior ALTAs head coach Joph Cleopas designed his team to be built around more than just one player. And that philosophy has been paying off for the Las Piñas crew as they clinched yet another finals stint.
Against San Beda University in the Final Four on Monday, Perpetual had a shaky start with MVP frontrunner Lebron Jhames Daep going cold on offense and energy guy Jan Roluna committing three fouls early on.
The 6-foot-7 Daep shot just four times the whole game and made three of those after getting clamped on by the unforgiving Red Cubs defense while Roluna had committed three fouls at the break before getting his shots going in the second half.
But that didn't bother the Junior ALTAs at all.
Dan Rosales emerged as the game changer as the rookie delivered 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal while Roluna still managed to put together 15 markers, four boards, and three dimes to star in their 96-87 victory.
JD Pagulayan was also huge for Perpetual, who caught fire in the third period to tally 13 points, five rebounds, and a steal off the bench.
"Actually, this team is not built for one player only. I told the boys na don’t worry if mapagod. You’re not scoring, it’s okay and just play defense," Cleopas told GMA News Online.
"We should have strength in numbers. We don’t rely individually, we’re not a team if we’re like that kaya lagi kong nire-remind sa kanila na gano’n. Statistics are nothing, real coaches see your worth as players and how you lead kaya gano’n ‘yung response nila."
With a collective effort, the Junior ALTAs marched to their second straight finals appearance and have the chance to capture the school's first-ever basketball title.
"Lagi kong sinasabi even before the season pa lang, na don’t look for your game. You just need to work hard and be the best player for your role and the game will just come to you," Cleopas added.
"The more you look for your game, mas lalo kang mawawala. The team will suffer. So dapat selfless tayo and just be relentless. Blessed kami na may mga players kami na nag-step up. That’s the reason na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo ngayon kasi ang aga na foul trouble ni Roluna."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
