Fran Yu was nothing but proud as he watched the other Knights make crucial plays in Colegio de San Juan de Letran's three-peat-clinching win against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Sunday.
The graduating guard saw his collegiate career end prematurely after he was slapped with a one-game suspension following a disqualifying foul in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series last weekend.
But Letran was able to prove it had more than enough weapons in its arsenal even with Yu off the floor.
In Yu's absence, Letran's other players stepped up to capably fill in his shoes.
King Caralipio led the charge with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists to earn himself the Finals MVP plum while Brent Paraiso contributed 16 markers, three boards, two blocks, and one steal.
Even young guns like Kobe Monje, Kevin Santos, and Rafael Go had the chance to make an impact in the crucial do-or-die game.
"Sobrang saya kasi despite nawala ako, nandyan 'yung team. Kaya nga 18 players yan. 'Pag may nawala, may mag-step up," Yu said.
"Napatunayan namin sa NCAA na kahit anong gawin nila, 'pag tama yung ginagawa mo, makukuha at makukuha ninyo."
Monje chipped in 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists while Santos had seven markers. Go chimed in with four points during a crucial run.
"Sinabi ko lang lagi akong nagko-coach sa kanila gabi-gabi na maging kumpyansa lang sila. Huling laro na ng season, wala nang magagalit," Yu added.
"Buti na lang nag-step up sila. Pinakanatutuwa ako kay Kobe Monje, ang ganda ng pinakita niya, quality na quality."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
