Nambatac has high hopes for Letran after his departure
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Rey Nambatac doesn’t thinks his graduation would leave a big hole for Letran after seeing how great of a talent pool coach Jeff Napa has.
“I don’t think that big of an absence for them because there’s a lot of players who could fill up my spot in my position,” he said.
The 23-year-old swingman, who averaged 16.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in his final year, allayed fears on the Knights’ future after they missed out on the Final Four this NCAA Season 93.
WIth Nambatac nursing two fouls in ihe Knights do-or-die game against San Sebastian, Letran showed a glimpse of what the future holds in the third quarter as it went on a 14-4 run to grab a 47-39 lead midway through the period banking on the five of Bong Quinto, Jerrick Balanza, Jeremiah Taladua, Jeo Ambohot, and Lance Vacaro.
Unfortunately, the Knights just had one too many mistakes and fell to the Golden Stags, 74-69, in the fourth-place playoff on Tuesday.
Despite all that happened this year, Nambatac is still optimistic on what the future holds for Letran with lofty goals already set for next year.
“I’m pretty sure they will bounce back hard next year. Even if I’m not on the floor, the toughness and intensity is still there. I can see their willingness to win, especially from our Team B players who have experience playing in big leagues. I can say that a lot of people will talk about Letran next year,” he said.
As he bid his alma mater goodbye, Nambatac is satisfied with what he has accomplished in his eight-year stay, winning Rookie of the Year and MVP with the Squires in the juniors’ division, while also helping the Knights make it to the Finals twice and winning the NCAA championship back in 2015.
“To be honest, I never expected any of this to happen. When I got to Letran, all I was thinking was to just play at my best so I could get a full scholarship and help my family. I never realized that I’ve already improved a lot and I’ve gone a long way. Not bad for an NCAA career. At least, I can say that I was able to help Letran win a championship,” he said.
Walking away from Muralla and embarking on a new chapter on his basketball career, Nambatac is proud to hold his head high as he leaves a lasting lesson to the holdovers.
“No one expects Letran to make it far every year, but game-in and game-out, we’re showing it to our doubters and the non-believers that we’re still here. We’re Letran: never give in and never give up,” he said.
