As the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA sits atop the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball tournament standings, head coach Joph Cleopas said the challenge for them is to stay hungry for the victory.
The Junior Altas have five wins and one loss and are hoping for another trip to the Finals.
Cleopas, however, said they have not thought that far yet.
"For sure. one game at a time kasi ang yabang naman kung focused kami doon kasi lagi ko sinasabi na anybody's ballgame 'yan so the more you are proud of what you have right now, anytime aalisin 'yan kasi may mas uhaw sa'yo" Cleopas said.
"Kaya ang challenge sa amin is [to stay] how hungry we are, every game, every practice. Constant reminder lang and we need to focus every game, every single second of the game."
The task of maintaining that thirst for victory is not easy. Reminding high school players about it is one, doing it and translating it to every game is another.
"Lagi ko sinasabi na 'last game mentality' -- you are as good as your last game, and 'no more biggest what ifs in your life,'" Cleopas said.
"Dont make a story one day or testimony na mag-what if kayo. Dapat laging sinasabi n'yo, the good thing lumaban kami, tumrabaho kami. Dapat no more what ifs in life."
Cleopas also cited a verse from the bible which he shares to his players: Proverbs 3:5.
The verse said "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
"Acknowledge God every time and God will give you the path kung saan tayo pupunta."
The Junior Altas will play Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday as the tournament returns after a short break.
—GMA Integrated News
