Alvin Patrimonio a perfect model for success after working his way to the top

BASKETBALL great Alvin Patrimonio said talent alone is not key to total success, but should be combined with the element of ability and attitude.

The four-time PBA MVP stressed this after serving as special guest speaker during the opener of the NCAA Season 91 Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Let me remind you that talent is not enough,” remarked the 48-year-old Patrimonio, one of the celebrated alumnus of Mapua, this year’s host school.

“May formula ako for that, ability plus attitude equals result.”

“The abilities, ‘yung God given talent natin, you have to use it 100 percent with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength,” he added.

At the same time, he warned players that superstar mentality will bring no good to anyone.

“Pero if you add rotten attitude, the result will be a bad team,” said Patrimonio, who retired from playing in 2003, but still remained one of the most popular and sought after players in the country up until now.

The Star Hotshots team manager said like any other players, he also started from scratch.

Patrimonio admitted how he endured two winless seasons with the Cardinals during his rookie and sophomore years in 1983 and 1984.

But as he began applying his winning formula, Patrimonio emerged as NCAA back-to-back MVP in 1985-1986.

“Noong ako nga hindi ako nanalo,” he recalled. “Totoo nga. As in wala akong napanalo, 0-16. Ang ironic ‘di ba? 16 pa ang (jersey) number ko.”

Addressing his alma matter, Patrimonio encouraged the current batch of Cardinals to get better.

“Noong nandoon ako hindi ko rin napag-champion ang Mapua,” he admitted. “Ang Final Four lang ang highest. Kaya ‘yun ang challenge ko sa mga players ngayon.”

But Patrimonio also wants the team to feel the same support and encouragement he got when he was still playing for the school.

“It’s about time. Dapat nga dati eh parang giving back to the community, giving back to the school kaya rin ‘yun. Syempre para rin ma-boost ang confidence nila,” said the amiable sportsman.

“‘Yung maging ano sila sa coming season ‘yung ano feeling na maraming nagmamahal sa team, maraming taong sumusuporta, ‘Yun lang ang gusto kong iparating sa team na andito kami,” said Patrimonio, who got a little bit emotional as he tears welled in his eyes

On his way out of the playing court, Patrimonio saw his college mentor Valerio “Amang” Lopez and immediately gave the former Mapua athletic director a warm hug.

“Ganoon talaga ako I’m very emotional when it comes to the people, sa school ko, ‘yung mga tumulong sa akin to be the best kaya para sa kanila rin to,” said Patrimonio.