SAN Sebastian has begun to revamp its ranks, as it eyes a major bounce back in the coming NCAA Season 101.
After falling short of reaching the Season 100 Final Four, the Golden Stags parted ways with coach Arvin Bonleon and major backer Joseph Ronquillo of Cocolife, the team announced on Sunday.
Rev. Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, expressed his sincere gratitude to the management team put up by Ronquillo and handled by Bonleon which ended up with a 6-12 record during the centennial season of the country’s grand old league.
“The San Sebastian College-Recoletos community would like to thank Mr. Ronquillo for all the support, encouragement, and resources he put in our Season 100 campaign,” said Pecson in a statement.
“While we fell short in our mission, it was one great ride with the management team he formed and we greatly appreciated it. We wish Mr. Ronquillo success in his future endeavors,” he added.
Baste has yet to disclose its plans for its basketball team, but is currently looking for a new ‘godfather’ to back up its next campaign when the NCAA opens its new season by June.
“We are looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas and resources which are vital in enhancing the capabilities of each member of the team, as we strive for excellence,” said Pecson.
San Sebastian actually had a good start to Season 100, winning its first two outings before losing eight straight games from which it never recovered, although it did win two of its last three matches.
Golden Stags, when?
The last time the Golden Stags made the Final Four came in Season 95 behind a team bannered by RK Ilagan. The team lost to eventual champion Letran, though, in the stepladder semis.
The fourth winningest school in NCAA history with 12 seniors championships in all, the Recto ballers' last title came in 2009 during the era of the ‘Pinatubo Trio’ led by MVPs Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang alongside Ronald Pascual – all of whom came from Pampanga - with Ato Agustin calling the shots.
Baste imprinted its dominance in the league by winning five straight titles from 1993 to 1997 led by coaches Turo Valenzona and Bai Cristobal and had the likes of Rodney Santos, Rommel Adducul, Banjo Calpito, Brixter Encarnacion, Jasper Ocampo, Topex Robinson, and the late Ulysses Tanigue on its rosters.
The school also won back-to-back championships in 1988-89 in a team backstopped by the likes of Bong Alvarez, the late Eugene Quilban, Art dela Cruz, Chris Bade, Nap Hatton, Melchor Teves, and Django Rivera, among others, all of whom later played in the PBA.
“The school community and its fans are eager to hear the roar of ‘Bravo Baste!’ once again and hopefully, we can hear it in the coming season,” added Pecson.
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