Head coach Chico Manabat understands the pressure just got higher for him and the Arellano University Chiefs after their impressive run in NCAA Season 100 that witnessed their rise from a cellar dweller to a legit contender.
"Next season, no excuses na kami diyan kasi this is my third year na so kailangan mag-perform na talaga kami," Manabat told GMA News Online on the heels of their season-ending game against Mapua University last Saturday.
Although they fell short of a semis berth, it was still a season to remember for the Chiefs.
Apart from improving their dismal 2-16 record from last year to a 7-11 slate this time around, Arellano also earned the tag as giant slayer of the season after catching big fishes and giving their foes a scare.
After a 0-4 start, Arellano went on winning seven of their next 14 games, which included an upset victory over reigning champion San Beda University and a two-point escape against second seed De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to end their first round run.
The wards of Manabat also pulled off a pair of key triumphs over another Final Four cast Lyceum of the Philippines University before being the ones to end the semifinals hopes of former three-time champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
These were enough proof for Manabat that his team has the caliber to compete against the Goliaths of the NCAA — even without having superstars in the squad.
"Super salute din ako sa mga players namin although syempre, iba pa rin ‘yung makapasok ka ng Final Four but the lessons, siguro beginning pa rin ‘yun kasi natuto na silang manalo and ayon naman ‘yung purpose namin," Manabat added.
"And the lessons sa mga ups and downs namin, ‘yun ‘yung magiging fuel namin for the next season and magiging inspiration namin to improve more."
With an intact core, there's nowhere to go but up for the Chiefs.
Manabat shared their lineup will be retained and will undergo only a minor facelift for Season 100.
"Nakita natin ‘yung character ng mga bata kasi wala naman ditong mga superstars. Sabi ko sa kanila, ilaro na nila ‘yung gusto nilang ilaro according doon sa system natin."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
