There's a familiar fire in the eyes of Colegio de San Juan de Letran head coach Allen Ricardo heading into NCAA Season 101.
The sophomore coach can't help but draw comparisons between his current Knights squad and the Squires juniors team he once led in Season 98, saying both teams flaunt the same athleticism, passion, and love of the game.
He steered that Squires team to the NCAA title before they repeated it the following year to complete a rare back-to-back feat. With a striking storyline, Ricardo now hopes to achieve the same ending with the Knights in Season 101.
"Talagang parang nafi-feel ko dito nu’ng binuo ko ‘yung Season 98 when I was in juniors. Nafi-feel ko ‘yung determination, ‘yung commitment nila, and how passionate they are sa game," Ricardo told GMA News Online during Season 101 media launch on Monday.
"Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na ‘wag nating palampasin itong pagkakataon na ‘to."
[I really feel in this team the one that I formed in Season 98 in the juniors. I feel the determination, commitment, and how passionate they are in the game... I always tell them, let's not let this opportunity pass us by.]
Ricardo's Season 98 run with the Squires was one for the books.
The Squires entered the tournament without the favorite tag unlike perennial contenders San Beda Red Cubs, Mapua Red Robins, and LSGH Greenies.
But the Squires defied the odds and exceeded expectations, ultimately coming out on top behind a promising core of Andy Gemao, George Diamante, Titing Manalili, Syrex Silorio, and Jovel Baliling.
He's out to replicate that success in the senior ranks with the same ingredient.
The Knights are featuring a talent-rich roster for their redemption tour in Season 101 led by Ricardo's trusted guard in Manalili, who's tipped to reinforce an already-stacked backcourt arsenal of Deo Cuajao, Jimboy Estrada, and Baliling.
Letran will also finally get to unleash their prized recruits in big man Mark Denver Omega and guards Jun Roque and Peter Rosillo, all of whom remind Ricardo of his Season 98 Squires crew.
"Yes, somehow, [merong similarities] in terms of athleticism, in terms of agility, in terms of shooting outside and inside. Kumpleto e."
"I’m hoping [ito na 'yung taon namin]. Sabi ko nga sa kanila hindi ko na tinitignan ‘yung next year, I’m looking for this year. Gano’n ako ka-determined ngayon. But no promises, we’ll take it one game at a time still."
[Yes somehow, in terms of athleticism, in terms of agility, in terms of shooting outside and inside. It's all complete... I'm hoping. I told them, I'm not looking at next year, I'm looking for this year. That's how determined I am now. But no promises, we'll take it one game at a time still.]
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
