San Beda Super Six: It's All About Heart

Just a few days after absorbing one major blow to their campaign for a three-peat, the San Beda Red Lions found themselves celebrating for the birth of six new heroes in the early going of the 88th season of the NCAA.

Playing with just six players, the San Beda Red Lions triumphantly defended their opener against the gritty Arellano University Chiefs through the heart and determination of the so-called “Super Six” namely Yvan Ludovice, Art dela Cruz, Dave Moralde, Ritchie Villaruz, Francis Abarcar and Jun Bonsubre.

“There is no short cut formula for that win,” Coach Ronnie Magsanoc proudly said of his players. “The coaches did their part but it was all about the players in that game.” he added.

And right now, he’s right. It’s all about the players in Mendiola.

You enter the premises of San Beda and a big tarpaulin congratulating the Super Six for their monumental win will welcome you. You talk to the guards and the utility men and the words “Super Six” will be coming out of their mouths. In the hearts of Bedans everywhere, they’re heroes. They’re the one who held their fortress when their big guns were out and rightfully so, they’re getting the recognition they deserve.

“Kala namin nag champion na kami pag tapos nung laro.” Bedan forward Art dela Cruz said in jest.

“It was very overwhelming; it was a huge win for us.” Point guard Yvan Ludovice added.

These kids also drew strength from the sea of red supporters who, on a Sunday exerted efforts to be at the venue to witness a non-televised game.

It was a game that is now written in the history book of the NCAA.

Preparing history

Things weren’t easy for Coach Ronnie Magsanoc before the game as he had to adjust and lead six players, including four rookies, against the veteran team of Arellano. Dealing with the four game suspension of key recruit Olaide Adeogun is tough, but the fact that the rookie Coach will be starting his NCAA career as a coach with six players is tougher.

“That was the coldest dug out I’ve ever been in,” Coach Ronnie said. “Walang players e, nakakapanibago.”

Heading to the game, Coach Ronnie basically told his players to disregard the handicap and just play their game. Good thing for the Beda fans, the players held their own and dug down deep to give their famed coach his first ever victory in the NCAA as a head coach.

“I told them to view it as a challenge, not as a handicap,” Magsanoc said. “Luckily, the boys came out with a fighting heart. “

The super six, for their part, talked all about unity when asked about their mentality heading to the opener.

“We just had to stay together, walang hihiwalay, magstick lang sa gamplan. “ Ludovice said.

“Puso lang, walang bibitaw hanggang huli.” Dela Cruz added.

Another thing that Coach Ronnie pointed out is the help of the nine other players who were suspended who helped out preparing the Super Six in their historical win against Arellano.

“The nine other players who weren’t available for their first game really pushed the Super Six during training,” Magsanoc said. “It wasn’t written in the papers, it wasn’t really known in the media but the nine other players did their part as well.”

Welcome addition

After the monumental win with just six players, questions rose with how Coach Ronnie will be handling his rotation following the performances of his Super Six. Asked if the six players will now be part of his regular rotation, Coach Ronnie answered:

“It’s a happy problem. It’s something that we can use, added depth in the roster,”

“Given that I can’t use all 15 men every game, it really depends on the situation, but as I’ve said, it’s a happy problem.” Coach Ronnie added.

Coach Ronnie also talked about what to expect from the Lions after his big guns return for their next game and Ola returns after four games of suspension.

“You can expect a hard working team. We’ll always try to outwork our opponents. “ Coach Ronnie said.

The new heroes of Mendiola wasn’t just overwhelmed with the win but for the overwhelming support that they got during the game and all the adoration that they’re  getting after holding the fort for their Alma Mater.  Asked to send a message to the San Beda community, the Super Six held the same thought in sending a message to the Bedan fans. Art dela Cruz talked in behalf of the team;

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng suporta! Dahil sa suporta nila, binigyan kami ng lakas para maglaro at ipanalo yung laro na yun.”

source: NCAA Philippines