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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Even with the departure of seniors Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres and Jason Perkins, De La Salle University Green Archers is seen to remain a favorite for back-to-back titles in the UAAP men’s basketball next year.
Aside from the returning Benoit Mbala, Aljun Melecio, Kirell Montalbo, and Andrei Caracut, the newly crowned UAAP champion still has some players to unveil next season for its title repeat bid, head coach Aldin Ayo said.
“I’m going for the back-to-back, or for the three-peat, or for the four-peat because iyan iyong programa namin,” Ayo said. “Iyong mga nandoon sa bench namin, iyong mga team B namin, naka-align iyon para sa next year until the third year, fourth year.”
“It’s not just about winning this season. It’s about the program, the continuity of the program which is to stay on top,” he added. “I’ll make sure na mag-improve na mag-improve iyong team and win another championship.”
Winning the UAAP Season 79 championship made Ayo heave a sigh of relief, especially since every Green Archers supporter was expecting a title finish, with the intact lineup reinforced by foreign imports.
“At the same time you’re happy because nakikita mong madami kang napasaya,” he said. “Napasaya mo iyong buong community ng La Salle, and for me, it’s very gratifying kasi they gave me this opportunity.”
The victory also encouraged the coach to work better. “Naisip ko na mas madami akong matututunan kasi hindi ako makokontento dito,” he said. “Mahal ko iyong trabaho ko, mahal ko iyong basketball, at ito lang ang meron sa akin ngayon.”
Green Archers had a near-perfect season, except for its lone loss in the elimination round in the hands of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. It then swept its semifinals and finals matches against Adamson Falcons and Blue Eagles, respectively./PN
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