First year coach Rensy Bajar is expecting a lot from the veteran-rookie backcourt duo of Kurt Reyson and Deo Cuajao as Colegio de San Juan de Letran seeks its fourth straight title in NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament.
Bajar, who took the reins from champion coach Bonnie Tan, said Reyson has been adjusting well to his new responsibility as the team captain, saying the 5-foot-9 sniper is out to lead the Knights on and off the court.
Reyson put together a stellar performance in the previous season behind usual suspects Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, and King Caralipio, who all have graduated and taken their acts to the professional scene. Reyson dropped 10.41 points, 4.18 rebounds, and 2.59 assists to help Letran cop its third consecutive title.
Bajar expects more from his senior gunner.
"Napakalaking challenge para sa kaniya because ito 'yung last season niya. Sabi ko nga sa kaniya, bini-build ko talaga siya to be a leader not only sa game, but also sa practice pa lang and also outside the court," Bajar said.
"Pati 'yung bonding niya with other players, kailangan nabi-build niya rin kasi siya talaga 'yung leader namin this season. Aminado naman siya na hindi madali but he's trying his best to be a good captain ball and good leader at the same time."
"But I know he can do more."
(It's a big challenge for him because this is his last season. I told him I am building him to be a leader not only in the game, but also in practice and outside the court. Even his bond with players, he needs to build it because he is the leader this season. He admits it is not easy but he is trying his best to be a good captain ball and good leader at the same time. But I know he can do more.)
Bajar is also expecting the same from incoming rookie Cuajao, who transferred to Letran after stints in the UAAP with the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University. He joined the Growling Tigers in Season 82 before jumping ship to the Green Archers in Season 84.
In August 2022, he completed his transfer to Letran and will have three more playing years including the upcoming Season 99.
"Malaking tulong sa amin si Deo dahil 'yung experience niya sa ibang leagues like UAAP," Bajar added.
"Although rookie siya for this season, isa siya sa main men na tinitignan ko talaga na magbibigay sa amin ng production not only sa points, but also sa depensa."
(Deo is a big help because of his experience in other leagues like the UAAP. Although he is a rookie for this season, he is one of the main men that I am looking at in terms of our production not only in points, but also in defense.)
READ MORE | Preview: No shortage of new stars as Letran Knights open four-peat bid
NCAA Season 99 opens on September 24. Watch the games live on GTV.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
