PROVING that there’s more to the NCAA other than competition inside the basketball court, some of Letran's fiercest competitors have reached out a helping hand towards ill-stricken forward Jerrick Balanza.
Rivalry has taken a backseat as San Beda alumni under coach Frankie Lim has come together and expressed support to the budding Letran stalwart.
The group, led by Lim, team manager Mike Advani, and former Red Lions captain Borgie Hermida, have pooled financial aid to help Balanza in his hospital bills after undergoing operation to remove his brain tumor.
"We express our solidarity with you during your most challenging time," the group's letter read.
"We join an army of your supportive family, friends, teammates, and fellow ballers who are all behind you as you embark in this major battle against brain tumor. Animo San Beda! Arriba Letran!"
The group included players Hermida, Baser Amer, Rome dela Rosa, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual, Jaypee Mendoza, Yousif Aljamal, Bambam Gamalinda, Dave Marcelo, Anjo Caram, Ryusei Koga, Jay-R Taganas, Chico Tirona, Jerome Villanueva, Melo Lim, and James Chua.
Lim's assistant coaches JB Sison, Mark Jomalesa, Ed Cordero, Boni Garcia, and Mike Sunga were also part of the group.
Furthermore, Jose RIzal University coach Vergel Meneses also extended financial support to Balanza last Monday.
In a photo that has been circulating in various Letran groups in social media, Meneses donated 30,000 pesos to help out Balanza's finances.
Balanza underwent a successful operation this month - and is on his way to recovery - but still needs financial help on his way to recovery.
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