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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Jerrick Balanza believes Fran Yu-led Letran a three-peat caliber

Jerrick Balanza believes Fran Yu-led Letran a three-peat caliber

Published Oct 6, 2022 09:30 pm

Former Letran star Jerrick Balanza believes that the current Knights spearheaded by the likes of Fran Yu and Louie Sangalang will be able to get their sweet three-peat run.

Fran Yu (left) and Rafael Go of the Letran Knights (NCAA/GMA)

Balanza, who was at the sidelines during Letran's 77-69 win against San Sebastian last Oct. 5, said it will still boil down to the system orchestrated by the coaching staff which is led by head tactician Bonnie Tan.

"I believe, sinasabi ko sa kanila, naniniwala ako sa kanilang lahat," said Balanza at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. "Sa lahat, sa coaching staff, sa mga vets, sa sistema. Lalo sinabi kong pang-three-peat.

"'Di man ganoon kalakas tulan ng mga past season pero kaya naman nila, kita naman natin. Basta naniniwala ako sa kanila," added Balanza, who is now with the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA.

With Rhenz Abando's departure, Yu embraced leadership roles for the Knights alongside Sangalang as well as Brent Paraiso.

This season, the likes Kurt Reyson and King Caralipio also showed huge improvements and proved what could they provide for the reigning champion in order to make the three-peat campaign a reality.

Balanza himself saw the upgraded version of Caralipio so far in Season 98.

"Para sakin, impressed ako lalo kay King. Si King kasi tagal kong kasama. Ang alam kong laro niya depensa at rebound pero ngayon nag-evolve siya," said Balanza, who once led the Knights to a championship in Season 95. "Nakikita na natin siya may shooting, kaya niya na mag-create ng tira.

"Sabi ko nga sa kanya sa last year, 'yon 'yong pinakamadiin kasi 'yon 'yong madidikdik kung saan ka mapupunta pagtapos ng college basketball."

The former Letran guard also saw some glimpse of the future for Letran in Rafael Go, who shone brightly recently against San Sebastian, scoring 11 points on a perfect 5-on-5 shooting in 17 minutes and 45 seconds of play.

"Na-impress ako sa kanya. Okay naman pala 'yong bata, matalino din maglaro saka importante sa rookie ay composed siya, okay siya tignan," he added.

Leaving a few words of encouragement for the Knights, Balanza said the trust in the system must never falter and that more practice will bear fruit sooner or later if they really want to capture another title.

Letran though is currently in a three-way tie with both Arellano and Perpetual, sharing 4-3 records, while College of St. Benilde stands atop the leaderboard with a 6-1 slate.

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NCAA Bonnie Tan
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