San Sebastian College-Recoletos may be grasping at straws in the standings, but nothing could make it waver in its commitment to finish strong in the NCAA Season 100.
And no sacrifice was wasted as the Golden Stags turned back the Arellano University, 88-75, to end their two-game slide and improved to a 4-10 slate on Sunday.
Following the postponement of scheduled games due to the weather last week, San Sebastian had more time to gear up for the match against the Chiefs.
The Golden Stags decided to carry on with their training even with their gym’s flooring becoming damp and slippery from the downpour.
“Actually, nakapaa kami lahat dahil madulas talaga. More on walk through then pina-jog ko lang sila. It’s a matter of commitment. Kailangan ng commitment ngayon, kahit na may bagyo punta tayo rito lahat. Sabi ko sa mga bata at mga coaches, sacrifice lang muna,” San Sebastian head coach Arvin Bonleon said.
[Actually, we were barefoot because it was slippery. It was more of a walkthrough and I had them jog. It's a matter of commitment. We need commitment right now, even if there's a storm, we'll still come here. I told the players and the coaches, let's just sacrifice for now.]
“Akala kasi namin matutuloy pa ‘yung laro namin against San Beda. Kaya pinili namin mag ensayo kahit nagmo-moist na ‘yung court namin. Nag-ensayo kami nakayapak, well gano’n talaga. Naging maayos naman ‘yung resulta,” echoed TJ Felebrico.
[We thought the game against San Beda would push through. That's why we chose to practice even if our court was moist. We practiced barefoot. We saw positive results.]
The sacrifice proved to be worthwhile as San Sebastian managed to crawl back from a 15-point deficit and hold off Arellano in their second round affair.
With the tournament being more competitive, San Sebastian is hell-bent on making the most of its remaining games and for them, everything now boils down to gaining valuable experience and leaving a good fight.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, sa remaining five games natin bahala kung ano mangyari. Laruin natin ng maganda. Bigyan natin sila ng magandang laban. Napakahirap manalo sa NCAA. From being a pro coach, ‘yung college basketball more on competition. Kunin natin, hindi binibigay ‘yung panalo rito,” Bonleon said.
[I told them, in the five remaining games, let's just play it well and see what happens. Let's give them a good fight. It's very difficult to win in the NCAA. From being a pro coach, college basketball is more on competition. We have to take it because wins aren't given away here.]
The first-year San Sebastian coach also wishes to give his graduating reliables, including Raymart Escobido and Ralph Gabat, a farewell to remember as they both set out for a professional career after their collegiate run.
“Ayaw ko naman lalabas sila ng Baste wag naman sobrang kulelat para mabigyan namin sila ng trabaho. May kukuha sa kanila from other leagues. Objective namin this season ‘yun for the players and may matutuhan ang coaching staff. ‘Yun na goal namin this season, na-experience namin lahat,” Bonleon said.
[I don't want them to exit Baste at a low point. We want to give them jobs. Someone from other leagues will get them. That's our objective this season for the players and for the coaching staff to learn. That's the goal this season, we were able to experience it all.]
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
