The Letran Knights are gearing up for a season of extras. After a two-year slumber– quite uncharacteristic for the NCAA’s second winningest basketball program– the blue-and-white of Intramuros wants to make things right.

A sharp offseason, the debuting Jonathan Manalili, and a platoon of youngsters tasked to energize a much-deeper bench give head coach Allen Ricardo many reasons to smile, and the sophomore mentor believes the only way to restore order is to outdo their foes. 

SEEKING REDEMPTION

The Letran Knights have not made the men’s basketball Final Four since Season 99. That trivia piece might seem trivial in the grander scheme of things, only it is not when talking about such a perennial winner in Letran.

Since entering the Grand Old League in 1930, Letran has won 20 titles, the second most in league history– only behind San Beda’s 23. They have won eight titles in the Final Four era, never missed more than three consecutive Final Fours, and completed a coveted three-peat in Season 98.

And so there is extra motivation for the Knights to bounce back from a subpar showing last year– chaotic finish, 8-10 record good for sixth overall; and to learn from a forgettable Season 99, where they lost their first seven games and almost touched rock bottom with a 2-16 tally.

For Ricardo, a champion coach who formerly helmed Letran’s juniors team, the busy training camp is a good indication that they’re reaping their efforts.

“I am happy naman na yung mga sinalihan naming tournaments, natuto kami. Malaking bagay, kasi yung gusto naming ‘learning experience,’ nakuha namin,” he told GMA Synergy in an exclusive interview. 

During the centennial season, Ricardo’s rookie year as Letran’s head coach, the Knights failed to build on their momentum from the first round, losing critical games in the final stretch that cost them a Final Four spot. They ultimately fell to sixth place. 

The Knights, therefore, want to enter Season 101 with clarity and a deliberate mindset. As an inspired Ricardo reminds, “it’s not always just about winning.”

“It's all about how we execute things, para ma-determine namin kung anong pwedeng scenarios ibigay sa amin, at ma-solve namin yun,” he said. 

RESURGENCE IN SEASON 101

The Letran Knights look locked and loaded for the upcoming season. 

They have every reason to look forward to key cogs from the residency making their debut, such as team captain Mark Denver Omega, versatile shooter Jun Roque, pesky guard Peter Rosilio, and serviceable big AJ Buensalida. 

“Beterano na sila Mark [Omega], Deo [Cuajao], and Jun [Roque], so right now they’re practicing with pro teams so pagbalik nila sa second practice nila which is sa amin, ang laking bagay kasi nabibigyan nila ng feed, at nali-lead nila nang tama yung mga kasama nila,” Ricardo lauded.

The sophomore coach is also stoked to champion Squire Jonathan Manalili, as the homegrown Knight finally makes his seniors basketball debut.

“I feel blessed that si Jonathan, nagpatuloy ang commitment niya with me and the Letran community,” he noted.

Manalili, himself a two-time NCAA juniors champion under Ricardo’s mentorship, was supposed to make his seniors debut last season, but was ultimately sidelined for an entire year due to an undisclosed injury that, according to reports, necessitated surgery.

Ricardo is the first to be excited about how he fares in his much-anticipated rookie year. 

“Yung tandem namin, malaking bagay kasi yung alam na ng point guard mo yung gusto mong mangyari. Sa tagal ng pinagsamahan namin, yung trust, number one, that’s already given. Kumbaga may second coach ako sa loob,” he said of his trusted floor general.

With Manalili’s tactical playmaking and high basketball IQ, Ricardo believes he is going to play a huge role in the Knights’ Season 101 campaign.

“When we started the year, new faces, madaming bago, kaya medyo rusty pa. I always told Jonathan he needs to communicate off the court, kung ano yung mga things na kailangan namin ma-build,” he added, talking about the former Juniors Finals MVP’s value as a vocal leader among his peers. 

Another reason to be hopeful is Jimboy Estrada’s second year as a Knight. Known as a prolific scorer at the guard spot with a lethal mid-range jumper and strong in-out presence, Estrada’s production will remain a crucial element in Letran’s bid.

As the guard spot gets a welcome boost, a bulk of Estrada’s load will now be shared, especially on the offensive end. Scoring remains one of his primary mandates, but Season 101, according to Ricardo, is an opportune moment for his star to showcase facilitation. 

“Ang maganda this year, di na mapapagod si Jimboy kasi mas malalim na yung bench, mas marami na kaya shumoot, eventually na-eembrance na nya yung role na, hindi lang sa scoring but facilitating also,” he said of Estrada. 

Finally, Ricardo lauds a bunch of new additions meant to beef up Letran’s bench. 

“We have Elijah Yusi, tapos from the juniors sila Lex Gazzingan at Syrex Silorio– ang maganda sa team na to, the boys bring energy to the team,” Ricardo said, suggesting that the guiding principle for Season 101 is to simply outdo and outperform their opponents

“Yun talaga yung kailangan namin eh. Because this team is bound for aggressiveness. Having the right attitude and body language, mahigitan lang namin yung energy at binibigay ng kalaban para maka-compete kami sa kanila,” he concluded.