Fran Yu (holding the trophy) and the rest of Letran men’s basketball team celebrate after completing a NCAA three-peat Sunday. NCAA-GMA photo
Letran is in good hands
FOR Fran Yu, Letran is in good hands after winning a third consecutive NCAA men’s basketball crown.
He may not have been on the floor for the deciding Finals game Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, but nothing would stop Yu from joining the Knights in celebrating another title conquest.
“Sobrang saya,” Yu said. “Despite na wala ako, nandoon yung team. Kaya nga 18 players iyan. Pag may nawala, may magi-step up.”
Yu’s collegiate career came to an abrupt ending when he was ejected in Letran’s Game 2 loss to College of Saint Benilde last week, leading to his suspension for the rubber match.
Despite the absence of their team captain, the Knights were able to pull off an 81-67 triumph over the Blazers that completed their three-peat.
Coming out to celebrate with his teammates after the final buzzer, Yu was so happy at Letran’s achievement, matching the 1982-84 feat led by Samboy Lim.
“Napatunayan namin sa NCAA na kahit anong gawin nila, pag tama yung ginagawa mo, makukuha at makukuha ninyo,” said Yu, a Season 95 Finals MVP.
Aside from Yu, King Caralipio, who earned Finals MVP honors after putting up a double-double outing of 20 points and 10 rebounds in the clincher, will also graduate as champions together with Brent Paraiso and Tommy Olivario, who is actually a four-time champion, having won in 2015 under coach Aldin Ayo.
Yu also heaved high praises on the Knights’ less-heralded players who were given a chance to play in the do-or-die game and showed no fear of the moment to step up from his absence.
“Sinabi ko lang na maging kumpiyansa lang sila. Huling laro na ng season, wala nang magagalit. Buti na lang, nag-step up sila. Pinakanatutuwa ako kay Kobe Monje, ang ganda ng pinakita niya, quality na quality,” said Yu.
A former Squire who was impressive in the preseason, Monje was huge in Letran’s second quarter breakaway, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting to go along with four rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes of playing time.
“Hindi na mga bata itong mga ito,” said Yu. “Pinong-pino na. Sana next year, makuha ulit nila.”
“Kaya nila iyan. Ilan lang ang rookie diyan. Si Kyle (Tolentino), si Pao (Javillonar), si Kurt (Reyson), pangatlo [na championship] na rin nila. Yun ang madadala nila — yung pagiging champion nila ng tatlong beses,” he added.
