By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights just appointed a new architect who can help them redeem themselves in the upcoming NCAA seniors’ men’s basketball tournament.
After a thorough selection process, Letran’s collegiate squad named their high school mentor Allen Ricardo as their interim head coach for the upcoming NCAA season.
The decision was finalized last February 16, 2024, and is just in time when the Knights kick off their preparations in their quest to reclaim their lost glory.
Last NCAA Season 99, Letran was led by former head coach Rensy Bajar but didn’t live up to the expectations of the school as they only finished with a decade-worst 2-16 win-loss record.
Aside from finishing its worst record in the last 10 years, the Knights also missed the post-season, failing to crack the Final Four to advance to the playoff round.
The Letran management then decided to overhaul things within the roster and the staff including the departure of Bajar.
With Ricardo now acting as the team’s chief tactician, a familiar Letran winning spirit will be instilled in the players before the start of the season.
Ricardo is coming off a magical run with the Letran High School basketball team after he steered them to the championship title last season.
His in-game adjustments and roster rotation helped them win the chess match over the talented La Salle Green Hills in the grand finals.
Coached by former PBA legend Renren Ritualo, La Salle was tagged as the favorites to win the chip with the presence of their twin towers Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate.
However, Ricardo, together with his group of hardworking hoopers led by Andy Gemao, stunned La Salle after edging them in the grand finals.
Can Ricardo sustain his coaching efficiency at the collegiate level?
