Former Letran Knights bigman and NCAA Season 89 Most Valuable Player Raymond Almazan was in attendance to support the Squires in their 88-79 victory against the LPU Junior Pirates in the NCAA juniors basketball.
Before the start of the game, the former Gilas Pilipinas bigman gave an impromptu pep talk in the Squires’ dugout.
He could not help but be amazed by how the new generation of hoopers in the NCAA have evolved over the years, especially the big men of Letran.
“Ang lalaki ng mga bata ngayon, yung mga high school ngayon sobrang skilled… yung mga bigs nila nagdadala ng bola…syempre Letran basketball, pressure at full-court defense” he said.
The Squires leaned on their center, George Diamante, who had a magnificent all-around performance, filling up the statsheet with 21 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, four steals, and a block. Titing Manalili and Jovel Baliling also chimed in with 15 points a piece.
Almazan, who hails from Orion, Bataan, shared with GMA Regional TV News that he also hopes to play with the kids in the near future.
“Sana may maabutan pa ako sa mga players na ito,” Almazan added.
When asked if Letran can win the back-to-back championship this season, Almazan said it is too early to say and that the Squires need to take it one game at a time.
“I think so, pero mahirap kasing magsabi ng maaga, so ano dapat muna, lets see kung papasok sila sa final four and then hopefully sa finals,” he said.
Aside from winning the MVP crown, Almazan was also hailed as the Best Defensive Player in that same season and was drafted as the third overall pick in the PBA.
During his tenure with Letran, he played with the likes of Kevin Alas, Rey Nambatac, and Kevin Racal who all made it to the professional league.