Letran rides on Almazan, Nambatac to get over ‘hardest’ part

Raymond Almazan (right) INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – For Letran Knights coach Caloy Garcia, winning the first game of the season is the toughest part.

But with an imposing presence on both ends in veteran center Raymond Almazan and a confident rookie in Rey Nambatac, it was Letran that made the first game hard for its opening day opponent San Sebastian.

“I just credit the players for playing hard in their first game. Sabi ko kasi sa kanila before the game, the hardest is to win the first game of the season. Kasi kung matalo ka sa umpisa baka mawalan kaagad ng kumpiyansa,” said Garcia, who replaced Louie Alas as head coach.

“We’re lucky that Raymond (Almazan) played for another year. I’m thankful that he was able to play for his final year because we know how big of a factor he is for this team.”

Almazan was huge for the Knights with 15 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in 29 minutes.

“Kung titignan niyo lineup namin after Raymond wala na talaga kaming pure center. So it’s nice to see a veteran player play like a veteran. Ang maganda sa kanya hindi naman niya hinahanap yung touches but the nice thing about him today he made some right decisions,” added Garcia.

“I have to give respect to him (Almazan). He really has improved. I guess he’s the new face of that Letran squad. I was telling him I have all praises for him. He really matured and I hope he keeps on improving,” San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson, whose team didn’t really had anyone to contain the lanky six-foot-seven Almazan, told INQUIRER.net.

While Almazan was expected to produce big numbers, Nambatac still has a lot to prove being a high school standout.

The six-foot guard made quite a first impression with 13 points and nine rebounds as the Knights held off the Stags’ late rally.

Garcia commended his rookie’s efforts in his NCAA debut but added that Nambatac understandably made some poor decisions particularly in the early part of the game.

“Rey hit some big shots but the thing is with Rey, you cannot give up open shots. Kasi nung first quarter maraming beses siyang pinasahan sa labas, he didn’t take those shots, he drove to the basket and it ended up in turnovers,” said Garcia. “Sinasabi ko nga sa kanilang lahat, we cannot give up open shots. You do that everyday in practice so why not do it in the game.”

Overall, Garcia was pleased with how his team performed and hopes that with the first game of the season over, his players have gotten over the excitement and can now settle and play more relaxed.

“Almost all the players played well. We had a lot of turnovers pero siguro kasi nanggigigil pa yung ibang mga players but we hope that after winning this game, it boosts our confidence, especially for a young team like us.”