It took Letran four years to return to the finals in the NCAA.
But that’s just fine for former Letran stalwart Kerby Raymundo because this could also be the “harvest season” for the Knights who are on the verge of winning the championship in NCAA Season 95 against the San Beda Red Lions.
Kerby Raymundo, standing behind NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio, looks on as Letran mentor Bonnie Tan, right, gets a hug from Alfrancis Chua, sports director of San Miguel Corporation which backs the school’s basketball program, during Game 1 of the finals against San Beda in NCAA Season 95 last Tuesday at the Mall of Asian Arena. (NCAA Images)
“Sa tingin ko hinog na ito, harvest season na for Letran,” said Raymundo, who won two titles for the Intramuros-based school back in 1998 and 1999. “Hindi madali, we know San Beda is very tough team, very talented… 18-0 nga e. Pero tingin ko malaki ang chance ng Letran this year.”
Raymundo sat from behind the bench during Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series that the Knights won 65-64 last Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Letran guns for the title in Game 2 at 4 p.m. Friday at the same venue.
Upon the invitation of Alfrancis Chua, the sports director of San Miguel Corporation, it was the first time for Raymundo to watch the game live.
Prior to the season, he was invited by Letran’s athletic director Fr. Vic Calvo and head coach Bonnie Tan for a pep talk with the current Knights during one of the team’s training camps.
“At that time, ang isa sa sinabi ko sa kanila, kita-kita na lang kami sa Finals. Now nandito na sila, kaya nandito na din ako,” said Raymundo in jest.
Turning serious, he said he already knew Letran has what it takes to compete for the title.
“If you look at the composition ng team, balanse e and may malalaki silang players. Pero ang maganda, sabi ko nga hinog na itong mga players,” said Raymundo, who turned pro in 2000 and had an illustrious 13-year career in the PBA.
“In the last four years, yung mga players they will learn, they will make mistakes, and they’ll learn from these mistakes. Kaya now beterano na itong team, and may materyales sila to win the championship.”
Raymundo also credited the coaching staff headed by Bonnie Tan, who is in his first year with the Knights.
“For leading Letran back to the Finals, and now we’re one win away from winning the title, it’s a proof of his abilities to lead the team. Saka makikita mo yung mga players na ‘yes coach’ lang sila, sunod lang talaga sila sa system ng team,” he said.
Raymundo said he’ll be there again in Game 2 with the so-called ‘super friends’ of Letran’s coaching staff that includes PBA mentors Pido Jarencio of NorthPort – where Tan serves as team manager – and Jhonedel Cardel of Columbian Dyip.
Raymundo said he gave words of encouragement to the team prior to Game 1, and he expects to do the same in Game 2, but next season could be different.
“Sabi ni coach Al (Chua) next year daw e… ‘big men coach’ n so hindi pwedeng tumanggi,” said Raymundo.
Tags: Alfrancis Chua , Bonnie Tan , Jhonedel Cardel , Kerby Raymundo , Knights , Letran Knights , NCAA , NCAA S95 men's basketball , NCAA Season 95 men's basketball , Pido Jarencio , Vic Calvo
