LETRAN got everything it needed from the bench to steal Game One of the best-of-three Finals against defending champions San Beda University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball tournament on Tuesday.
Bonnie Tan, who is in his first year as the Knights’ head coach, said he welcomed all hands he needed heading for the Finals.
Tan, also the team manager of Philippine Basketball Association team NorthPort, admitted that he needed help in his first time coaching in a Finals.
“I am not ashamed to tell my players that this is my first time coaching in a Finals game,” Tan said. “I got some encouraging words from some of my friends.”
So who were on hand to give Tan that helping hand?
Ginebra ace and the team’s General Manager LA Tenorio was on hand to give Tan the full support.
On hand were former Letran skipper Beau Belga, NorthPort Coach Pido Jarencio and ex-Letran Coach Jeff Napa. Count San Miguel Corp. Sports Director Alfrancis Chua in.
“We got some encouraging words from our friends that are legends and PBA players,” Tan said. “They all gave significant pointers in championship games like this.”
Letran court general Fran Yu made stellar plays in the crucial minutes of Game One. Tan said that Yu’s performance was greatly influenced by his staff, who are experienced point guards themselves.
“Actually, aside from LA [Tenorio], our [assistant] coaches are all point guards,” Tan said. “They we’re a great help.”