By ANGELO JACINTO
THERE’S no question in the mind of San Beda’s seniors that the team is still in good hands even though they’re bidding the Red Lions goodbye.
Peter Alfaro, the team’s captain, is confident about the Mendiola crew’s chances of a repeat after this unexpected run to the NCAA Season 99 title.
“Knowing my teammates, I know anyone can step up and be a leader,” the graduating point guard said.
READ Escueta pays tribute to Black, Fernandez and other San Beda coaches
And he didn’t need to look far to prove his point.
James Payosing embraced his role as the steady utility for San Beda, producing 11 points and 14 rebounds in its Game Three clincher. He was rewarded with the Finals MVP plum.
Rookies Aaron Royo and Nygel Gonzales both played beyond their age and immediately showed their worth to coach Yuri Escueta, getting it done on both ends of the court.
But for Alfaro, one guy who he can say can succeed him in his captaincy role is none other than third-year forward Yukien Andrada.
“As far as I can see, si Yukien can be a good leader. He’s a good role model and he has good communication skills,” he said.
He also backs it up on the court, drilling five triples in the second half that towed the Red Lions to their 23rd title and first since 2018. Andrada led the squad with 20 points on 5-of-10 clip from downtown.
But that’s for next year. All that matters now is that the crown is back in the Red Lions’ den.
“Sobrang happy ako na sa last year ko, nakuha namin yung championship,” said Alfaro. “Even though super daming struggles at super dami ng nag-doubt sa amin, yun ang nagpatibay sa amin at kita naman sa resiliency ng teammates ko.”
Damie Cuntapay agreed.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga believers sa amin at lalo na sa mga haters namin dahil sila ang nag-push sa amin para makarating sa goal na ito.”
Parting shot at haters
Hate can really bring out the best and the worst in people. Luckily for these Red Lions, it was the former.
“Walang naniniwala, grabe yung doubt ng mga tao, grabe yung struggles, pero I’m super proud of my boys na nakuha namin itong panalo,” Alfaro said.
Cuntapay was more direct: “Sa mga haters namin na sobrang dami, wala na akong masasabi. Thank you, basta champion na ako.”
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