A big loss for the Knights

Letran Asst. Coach Louie Gonzales during the PSA Forum on Tuesday

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – After bagging its first collegiate they long after a decade, the Letran Knights are looking for ways to fill the void left by stalwarts Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal who helped the team win the 17th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament title in their last playing year.

Cruz and Racal played major roles as the Knights stopped the game dynasty of San Beda Red Lions in the deciding Game Three of the finals and nailed their championship in 10 years, denying the Red Lions’ six straight NCAA crowns.

With the two key players now out of the picture, the Knights are eyeing their younger players to deliver when they try to defend the crown next season.

Rey Publico is also playing his farewell season for the Knights. However, Assistant coach Louie Gonzales said Jerrick Balanza and Bong Quinto are the players to watch next year replacing Cruz and Racal.

“This year we tried to control him. Magaling yung bata. Mataas ang quality (He’s a quality player),” said Gonzales of Balanza.

“Definitely, he will shine next year. We’re looking at him to replace Mark Cruz although it’s a big shoes to fill,” Gonzales told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“We’re also looking at Bong Quinto to replace Kevin Racal,” said the team official who graced the weekly forum on behalf of the Knights.

During the just-concluded season of NCAA, Letran coach Aldin Ayo made sure that the younger and upcoming players were given the opportunity to play.

“We wanted to see if they’re ready to play the roles to be given them. Balanza will be given a bigger opportunity next year,” he said in the session presented by San Miguel Beer, Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The Knights, tagged as the underdogs against the Red Lions, are looking at several off-season tournaments to break in their lineup for the next season.

“We are open to that. We are just waiting for the offers. We want to expose the team and our new players to their new roles,” said Gonzales.