UAAP: NU’s DA Olan says Lady Bulldogs ‘super seniors’ key in 11th straight finals appearance

DA Olan did not waste time before fully embracing his role as the head coach of the National University women’s basketball team, but not without the leadership of the Lady Bulldogs seniors.

Olan, who inherited a successful team from former mentors Pat Aquino and Aris Dimaunahan, has been getting a hand from some of his senior and graduating players since taking the coaching gig a month before the season kicked off.

While Olan has been with the team as its longtime deputy, the tactician emphasized that calling the shots was no easy feat, especially for an eight-time champion.

“Malaking-malaking bagay na nandito silang seniors. Especially for me being new on the job, new head coach, kaya talagang malaking bagay at yung leadership na dinadala nila, napapadali yung trabaho ko at ang trabaho ng buong coaching staff,” Olan said.

The Lady Bulldogs returned to the finals for the 11th straight season after turning back Ateneo de Manila University in a dramatic 67-66 victory in their stepladder semifinal battle on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Having been put to the test, Olan is looking to draw strength from their past experiences being a seasoned team against University of Santo Tomas when they face each other in the finals for the third consecutive time.

“We've been here before. I've been here in the finals for the past years. But again, it's my first time being the coach of this team,” Olan said.

“Of course, I'm pressured and excited as well. Especially 'yung nilaro namin ngayon was not our best. What we’ll promise is ibibigay namin yung best and gagawin lahat para ma-retain ang championship,” he added.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News