THE 'KID' RETURNS. Former Letran star cager Kerby Raymundo (right) serves as a new addition under the coaching staff of head coach Jeff Napa (left).
Retired basketball veteran and former Letran standout Kerby Raymundo is now reunited with his alma mater as the Knights’ team consultant.
The 36-year-old Raymundo said that he received a call from head coach Jeff Napa, offering him the coaching job which he gladly accepted without hesitation.
“I just want to impart ‘yung leadership and wisdom sa laro,” Raymundo said.
The 15-year PBA veteran was already seen at the Letran sidelines as early as the Knights’ debut game against Mapua in July. Since then, Raymundo has been serving as a key mentor who would hopefully help boost the team throughout the season.
"Malaking bagay si Kerby kasi 'yung ilang taon niya sa PBA [and] ‘yung experience niya, how to handle situations," Napa said.
"Alam mo naman Kerby Raymundo 'yan. Pag pinag-usapan 'yung Letran hindi na para pag-usapan 'yung Kerby Raymundo eh. Malaking tulong para sa amin na nandiyan siya," he added.
Starting the season wasn’t pleasant for the Knights though. The team lost three of its first four games which weren't the output Raymundo was expecting.
“Medyo stressing kasi ine-expect ko sa kanila dapat alam na nila ‘yun, pero hindi pa pala,” he admitted.
Raymundo said that maturity is one thing he likes the team to improve on. Furthermore, given its young group of players, veterans need contribution from guys off the bench especially when the game is on the line.
Raymundo was confident the Knights will quickly bounce back after a 1-3 start. And the team immediately answered to the call after winning its next few games. The Knights beat College of St. Benilde, Arellano University, and Perpetual Help which saw other players like Jeo Ambohot, Jeremiah Taladua, and Daryl Pascual rose and stood for much-needed contributions.
“Syempre part of this is learning pa din. Sabi ko nga sa kanila two things lang sa basketball eh, either you win or you learn,” he said. “Mas maganda doon ka sa win.”
Known as the “Kid”, Raymundo played for Letran from 1996-1999. Together with other notable names such as Chris Calaguio, Willie Miller, and former head coach Aldin Ayo, Raymundo brought back-to-back titles to Muralla in his NCAA tenure. He then played in the PBA for teams such as Red Bull, Purefoods, Brgy. Ginebra, and Meralco before retiring in 2015.