MANILA, Philippines — Letran coach Bonnie Tan said the arrival of new recruits from University of Santo Tomas presents a challenge for the Knights that he gladly embraces.
True enough, the rich got richer after reigning NCAA champion secured the commitments of rising star Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller.
“I don’t think we’re a super strong team, but I do think we got stronger,” Tan said in Filipino on The Chasedown.
“As a coach I think all would agree that it’s better to have a problem of having too much talent than having a lack of talent to use in the game.”
The three left UST as the school faces potential suspension from the UAAP after its men’s basketball team came under fire for holding a bubble training camp in Sorsogon amid the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
“We were surprised that they called us and asked if they can be part of Letran’s program. For a coach, it’s hard to resist the possibility of having these kinds of players, who are experienced players,” Tan said.
“There was no negotiation, but we met several times just to clear up each other’s expectations.”
In just his first season as Letran head coach, Tan led the underdog Knights to an impressive championship run where they toppled defending champion San Beda to take the NCAA Season 95 title.
Abando, Paraiso and Bataller won’t be eligible to suit up for the Knights until Season 97 due to the one-year residency rule.