By: Romwel Anzures
Coach Bonnie Tan with other Letran coaches and representatives during the NCAA Season 98 Mens Basketball Games. Photo courtesy of Patrick Cruz of The LANCE.
“Mahirap iwan yung Letran community kasi napamahal na ko sa Letran”.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran head coach Bonnie Tan has been making headlines in the past weeks after being appointed as team consultant of its sister-school, the University of Sto. Tomas in the UAAP.
This development sparked uncertainties about his position as the Knights’ head tactician in the NCAA but assured that whatever decision the school administrators would ask him to make, coach Bonnie will be more than willing to accept the job- if it is offered.
“Kung anong set-up ang gusto nila, dito pa rin tayo," Tan said in an interview with The LANCE.
The three-time NCAA champion coach and coach of the year awardee also expressed his willingness to stay in the Colegio.
“WIlling ako mag-stay, whatever position i-offer sa akin. Mahirap iwan lalo na’t naka achieve ka ng three-peat tapos iiwan mo ng basta basta. Hindi ganon.”
“Privilege sa akin na maging part ako ng Letran. It’s a honor na makapag serve at ituloy ang programa.”
The soft-spoken mentor is currently serving as the head coach of the Northport Batang Pier in the PBA, and with regards to his staff in Letran, the only movement that has happened is scouting coach Jaren Jarencio’s transfer to the Growling Tigers, where his dad Pido, recently returned to lead the team.
As for the Knights, preparations for NCAA Season 99 have already started as early as now. Long-time assistant coach Rensy Bajar is leading the team’s current practices alongside assistant coach Raymond Tiongco, including a recent tune-up game against the 2022 PBA Commissioners’ Cup Finalists Bay Area Dragons.
Letran is set to leave on February 15 for a five-day pocket tournament in Zamboanga Sibugay and coaches Bonnie and Jaren will still be joining the team.
The three-time NCAA defending champions will also participate in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) in April, and will compete in the PBA D-League and FilOil Preseason Cup.