NANI Epondulan opened his coaching career with Jose Rizal University on a flyer after a 70-59 victory against San Sebastian, and it took a former Staglet to give him that victorious debut.
With just a six-point lead to hold onto heading into the final frame, the Heavy Bombers banked on a fourth-quarter outburst to put the Golden Stags away.
And at the forefront of their push was their prized rookie Sanlea Peñaverde, who laced six free throws in that stretch, ending with 19 points in 21 minutes of action.
READ: Once an embalmer, Sanlea Penaverde is now the Staglets' lifeline
Epondulan has been singing the former juniors mythical five player’s praises for a hot minute now, citing his consistency even in the prior unofficial preseason appearances.
But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet.
When asked who he thinks could match his previous accomplishments of consecutive final four appearances and a Most Valuable Player nod, Sanlea was his clear-cut pick.
“Si Peñaverde. With ‘yung mga previous na mga games namin, actually, Sanlea has been consistent,” he said.
League MVPs hailing from JRU are a rarity, with the last one being John Wilson back in Season 85, and Epondulan before that.
But with the new JRU tactician’s pedigree and prowess, he might just be onto something.
Among their first orders of business in molding the young Peñaverde was distinguishing the difference between juniors and seniors level, and ensuring that even high school standouts have to earn their keep in this level.
“Lagi naman namin siya sinasabihan na iba na yung laro from high school to college. Especially pinag aaralan na siya, pinaghahandaan na siya ng mga makakabantay niya or makakamatch-up niya, so hindi siya pwede mag-relax,” he said.
”So kung ano yung effort na ginawa niya before noong nasa high school rank siya, dapat pagsampa niya sa college dapat doblehin niya, kasi ganun na talaga ka rigid, especially yung pisikalan ng laro,” he added.
Operation: Rebuilding Bombers
Of course, Epondulan did not return to his alma mater just to cultivate the next Heavy Bomber to join the small list of Kalentong-based MVPs.
From once carrying JRU to the finals, he now seeks a cultural reset for the program, not just the revitalization of their system.
The good news for him is he has a solid young core around him led by Penaverde who’ll be joined by several NCAA champions in Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat after the pair finishes their residency year.
“Gusto kong baguhin ang kultura ng basketball operations dito sa JRU kasi parang medyo matagal-tagal na na nawawala sila sa winning tradition,” he said.
“Wala namang trabahong madali, so tinatrabaho lang namin araw araw yung mga nakikita namin na pwedeng maging ikalalakas ng team, especially individually,” he continued.
“So with us na puro bata, sabi ko lang sa kanila na we just have to play as a team, know their strength, and play together.”
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