THERE are verses in the Bedan Hymn that say “When we encounter trials and hardships, we will give you honor and fame. For nothing but these show loyalty clear to our Alma Mater’s name.”
These words are never more manifested than these past two months and more, at least for the San Beda Red Lions.
Unlike in the previous season, where the team simply fell apart in the homestretch amid heavy pressure, the Red Lions simply turned expectation into reality in the centerpiece tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Season 101.
True, there were hiccups along the way, close losses to the Heavy Bombers, the Altas (3OT), the Pirates, and headaches from the Blazers and the Knights. But Yukien Andrada, Bryan Sajonia, Nygel Gonzales, Agjanti Miller, Joe Celzo, Jomel Puno, Bismarck Lina, Zedjay Etulle, RC Calimag, Penny Estacio, John Carlo Bonzalida, MJ Vailoces, Miles Culdora, Menard Songcuya, Jimmy Reyes, Zane Jalbuena, Ronrei Tolentiono, Kyle Jamora, Team Manager Jude Roque and the coaching staff led by Yuri Escueta found ways to rise every challenges and to negate difficulties on and off the court.
When Miller was suspended for game 2 of the championship series, almost everyone gave up on the Red Lions and expected Letran to force a rubber match.
Instead of hoisting the white flag, San Beda took the fight to Knights, instead of running away from the battle, some sort of one step backward, two steps forward, Andrada and company roared the mightiest. Proving that their Game 1 win, 89-70 was not a fluke, the Red Lions mangled the Knights anew in the second game, 83-71 to bring back the title, their 24th overall, to the hallowed grounds of Mendiola. What is more impressive, Miller was out of the lineup. His absence was an extension of his ejection in Game 1 due to flopping.
No Miller proved no problem for Escueta and his gallant Red Lions as the team went to Andrada, Sajonia and Gonzales in the crucial stretch with the Knights coming within five, 65-60 early in the 4th quarter. The Red Lions did not choke on pressure but instead showed why basketball is a team sport afterall. When other teams lean on superstars and even the best point guard in the league, San Beda went instead to its system, discipline and trust with each other. A three-pointer from the parking lot by Andrada for a 68-60 lead with 7:03 left in the 4th quarter, doused Letran’s hope for a comeback.
So what’s next for the Red Lions? A much-needed rest is top priority because for sure, the team will resume training and practice come January. Just like what they did beginning this year.
Some are claiming that the Red Lions’ stay in the NCAA is ending and in fact, they will be joining the so-called bigger league — the University Athletic Association of the Philippines or UAAP. A source whispered that San Beda has fulfilled all requirements and is just waiting for the formal acceptance to the league.
Fanning the flames were announcements made during the bonfire held at San Beda grounds after the Red Lions won the title.
Even Miller added to the anticipation when he implied that San Beda is moving to UAAP. He was also seen watching the La Salle vs. UP in the UAAP Finals the day after San Beda won the championship that raised another issue: is Miller jumping to Taft from Mendiola next season?
A source close to the team, however, says there is no truth that San Beda is leaving the NCAA next season.
When he was asked by The Designated Kit Man if the Red Lions would jump to the UAAP next season, he simply answered “No”.
But when asked again, if the team will be moving to the other league, he quipped “not yet.” While the source is fond of one or two word sentence responses, his last answer gives a mighty clue on the future of San Beda. On Miller rumors, he just replied with “don’t know yet”. Staying true to form still.
The Designated Kit Man believes that it’s time for San Beda to switch leagues for several reasons.
One, there is nothing to prove anymore in the NCAA. Now is the time to explore and compete in a bigger pond.
Two, why stay in a league where thinking is practically parochial and myopic to say the least. Case in point, why disqualify Miller for individual season honors for flopping? You have already punished Miller twice, ejected from the game and suspension in the succeeding one, were those punishments not enough? Why deny what is due to Miller just because of two technical fouls due to flopping. He didn’t punch someone, or hurt opponents, just himself.
There are rules, correct, but rules are meant to be broken or to be improved upon. It’s a pity that several members of the NCAA are Catholic-learning institutions, but forgiveness and common sense are hard to come by.
Going back to Miller, it is expected that after his spectacular performance this season, opportunists and poachers are already smelling blood and tons of cash. Some reports are even claiming that Miller’s services are up for the highest bidder. Which is understandable.
Poaching is not illegal, morally or ethically bad maybe. Miller deserves every opportunity to better his career and to secure his future. If that entails moving to the UAAP then so be it. At the end of the day, it’s up to the player or the athlete to decide on what path to take. It is the same reason, too, why players like Andrada and Gonzales decided to stay and become Red Lions for life. To be fair to everyone, why not impose a rule to compensate the original team that first “discovered” the player. Simple as that, but then again. La Salle bumibingo na kayo ha. Konting finesse naman sana. Wala pa sa case ang trophy, hayan na naman kayo.
So if Miller is leaving next season, then we should wish him luck. We should thank him too for a season well spent in Mendiola, after all once a Bedan is always a Bedan. And besides, there are more Red Lions waiting on the sidelines, preparing to be given the opportunity and always raring to answer the clarion call.
Poachers may take our players, but never the bragging rights. Everyone knows that these schools from the “bigger and better” league need a Red Lion to win games and moreover, championships.
Fear the roar, indeed!
A source told The Designated Kit Man that a certain team official (TO) that competed in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok was slapped with a $5,000 fine after a verbal tussle with a game official. “Minura ‘yung referee”, the source citing the reason why the TO was punished. Aside from the hefty fine, the TO was also booked with a four-match ban. The same source also revealed that the concerned individual filed an appeal (with a $500 fee), but was dismissed.
If this is true, who will pay the fine? Will it be the TO or the national sporting association which the TO is connected with?
“Ang laki ng multa, puwede na pampasuweldo sa mga tao,” another source quipped.
Well, karma is a bitch indeed. Tagay pa!
Ending on a good note, congratulations to the Philippine National Women’s Football Team! The Filipinas finally ended Vietnam’s stranglehold of the football gold in the Southeast Asian Games, scoring a nailbiting 6-5 win via penalty shootout last night.
Take a bow, ladies!
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
