For Jose Rizal University head coach Nani Epondulan, the Heavy Bombers exceeded expectations after emerging as a threat to many teams in NCAA Season 101.
JRU finished with a 6-7 record in the group phase and managed to defeat powerhouse programs such as San Beda University, Mapua University, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
However, the Heavy Bombers fell to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the quarterfinals.
“I can say na medyo na-exceed namin ang expectations kasi from the start of the season, wala namang bumibilang sa amin. Hindi nga kami nababanggit, pero nung naramdaman namin na kaya pala naming tumalo ng powerhouse schools, siyempre ‘di na rin namin maiwasan na mag-expect na rin sa sarili namin,” Epondulan said last Thursday.
While the team was down after the loss to the Altas, Epondulan said he encouraged his players to use the defeat as motivation heading into next season.
“At the same time, tandaan nila kung gaano kasaya ‘yung kabilang [team] how they celebrate para at least ‘yun tumatak sa kanila every time na tinatamad sila para mag-ensayo or extra work,” he said.
Epondulan also noted that his players developed a different mentality this season.
“Kailangan i-[instill] mo ‘yung winning culture sa players mo, and I think ‘yung nakita kong emotions kanina [after the loss], siguro I did a good job na ma-instill sa kanila ang winning culture,” he said.
The Heavy Bombers will now return to the drawing board for next season, especially with former champions Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat expected to join the roster. Still, Epondulan emphasized that every player will need to earn his spot.
“Hindi pa namin iniisip ‘yun [next year] pero I think pag nag-start practice namin, lahat tryout, trabahuhin nila [ang] puwesto [nila]."
—GMA Integrated News
