Five years ago, Justine Sanchez and Yukien Andrada were on the same side of the court as San Beda claimed the NCAA juniors basketball crown.
On Saturday, the two former Red Cubs will be on opposite sides of the floor as Sanchez, now with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, eyes to advance to the NCAA Season 100 Finals. However, that dream may come at the expense of his former teammate Andrada, who remained with San Beda as the Mendiola crew aims to defend the title.
For the two players, however, the competition will remain just on the court.
"Para sa akin, 'yung laban namin is d'un lang sa pride sa school namin, sa sarili namin. Pero inside and outside the court, 'yung brotherhood namin 'di naman nawawala. We play as competitive [players] lang," Sanchez told GMA News Online on Thursday.
"Mahirap na task siyempre, and twice-to-beat pa 'yung Benilde pero sabi nga ni Justine, off the court naman, we're all goods naman. Brothers, siyempre, galing sa'min 'yan, tagal namin nagsama niyan. Magandang laban 'yan, exciting laban 'yan sa Final Four," said Andrada.
The two players also played together in the seniors division as Sanchez also suited up for the Red Lions before moving to Taft last year.
Andrada, however, is aware that beating Benilde will be a tall task.
The Blazers swept the Red Lions in the elimination round and earned a twice-to-beat bonus in the semis, but this path is not new for the defending champs.
"Sobrang hirap, pinagdaanan din namin 'yan last year kasi twice-to-beat advantage din ang LPU. Sobrang hirap ng haharapin namin but we still have to stick with that mindset na we have to beat them twice."
Sanchez, on the other hand, is aware of how determined the Red Lions are, especially in must-win situations.
"Simula pa noon, ang Beda nakakatakot pagdating ng semifinals kasi nag-iiba 'yung scenario pero siyempre kung anong defensive scheme, bigay na latag ni Coach Charles. Pareho naman kasi kami ng system, ang difference lang, sino ang gusto manalo."
The two players may forge different paths after the series, but these 'brothers' said they will still be supportive of each other.
"Masaya kasi makikita mo teammates mo from high school, brothers na nga eh, ngayon magkakatapat pa kami sa Final Four, very exciting match up. I wish best of luck sa CSB din. We're gonna do our best, kung anong ipapagawa sa amin ni Coach Yuri, 'yun ang gagawin namin," said Andrada.
"Kung babalikan 'yung high school namin, sobrang solid nung team na 'yun," Sanchez said as he recalled their other teammates such as Tony Ynot who is also playing for the Blazers.
"Kung babalikan 'yun, gusto namin 'yun kasi doon nagsimula lahat. Same kay Yuks, kung anong mangyari sa career niya, I'll just support Yuks. About the game naman, pakita lang ng both sides ang competitiveness nila. Good luck din sa SBU, siyempre diyan din ako galing. I really respect SBU, pero ngayon magkalaban kami, gagawin ko lang best ko."
Benilde and San Beda will battle on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome.
—GMA Integrated News
