After nearly two decades, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) returned to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, bringing a wave of nostalgia, especially for coaches Gilbert Malabanan of Lyceum of the Philippines University and Nani Epondulan of Jose Rizal University.
Malabanan, who played for the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, said the venue holds a special place in his heart, recalling a memorable dunk he made there during his playing days.
“Pinakita ko lang sa kanila ‘yung dunk ko rito before,” Malabanan said on Tuesday after the Pirates’ win over San Beda University.
“[Pero] sabi ko, ‘yung memories na makukuha nila rito pag naglaro tayo, good memories na panghabambuhay natin puwedeng ikuwento sa mga pamilya natin.”
“Sabi ko nga, ang tagal kong hindi nakabalik dito, and it’s good to be back,” he added.
Epondulan, who was named NCAA Most Valuable Player in 2001 when he played for the Heavy Bombers, also shared fond memories of playing in the venue.
“This is the place where I won my 2001 MVP, so napaka-memorable ng court na ito sa akin,” he said on Wednesday following JRU’s victory over Arellano University.
“Kanina pa lang, papasok pa lang talaga, nag-goosebumps na ako. Marami kasing bumabalik na memories.”
Adding to the nostalgia, Epondulan also notched a win as a head coach in the same venue where he once starred as a player.
“For me kasi, iba ‘yung as player, iba ‘yung coach. So now, sa na-experience ko dito noon as player and ngayon as coach, masasabi ko na napakabait talaga sa akin ng venue na ito,” he said.
The NCAA last held games at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in 2006.
—with report from Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
