DESPITE falling one win short of making the NCAA finals, Perpetual coach Jimwell Gican was satisfied with how things panned out for the Altas who were written off before Season 92 even began.
No one expected the Altas could make waves in the NCAA this year after the departure of former star Scottie Thompson, a coaching change that saw Jimwell Gican take over veteran mentor Aric del Rosario in the offseason and with little time to prepare heading into the season.
In fact, even Gican himself was shocked to see his team make it to the Final Four and force a do-or-die clash with top-seed San Beda for a chance to face Arellano in the finals.
"Hindi namin in-expect tong ganitong sitwasyon this season. Akala din namin di kami makakapasok sa top four," said Gican after San Beda ousted Perpetual in the semifinals on Tuesday. "Bagong sistema, mga players, hindi masyado na-expose last year because of Scottie and Bright (Akhuetie)... It takes time to improve at ma-perfect mga dapat gawin."
"Para sa akin, amazing. Proud ako kasi sa preparasyon pa lang wala na kami," he added. "We're so blessed na nakarating kami (final four) at nanalo pa kaming isa. We're so lucky na dumating kami sa ganung point."
As early as now, Gican is already looking forward to next season where he expects his wards to improve on their impressive run this year, especially as the Altas boast an almost-intact core with Gerald Dizon the only graduating player.
"Intact pa rin kami," he said.