Dan Sara: Back To The Red Lions’ Den?

As high-profile recruits join DLSU, two Green Archers from the last UAAP roster stepped out and returned to their respective alma maters.

University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) standout Samuel Joseph Marata and San Beda Red Cub playmaker Roldan Sara were out of the 2012 FilOil Flying V Premiere Cup Pre-season lineup while the former was listed to play in the Fr. Martin Cup, but did not play.

Marata and Sara are now back home(?), and are set to don their high school colors in the collegiate ranks.

As Sam Marata will be leaving Taft Avenue to return to the Maroon and Green, joining him is former Nokia U-16 Team Pilipinas member Dan Sara.

Sara went to back to Mendiola this past summer as he was acquired by the San Beda Red Lions.

The 5’10’’ point guard was recruited back in 2010 by Archers’ former coach Dindo Pumaren. Pumaren sought the player after finding a fit for Sara in his defense-oriented system.

He started playing for the Green Archers last season averaging 3.6 minutes in five games.

Unfortunately for him, he was sparingly used and seemed to have been translucent to invisible in the lineup.

With the change of coaching staff, players have been evaluated as to their compatibility with the new system; Sara seemed out of place in the system.

With a choice to stay in La Salle to finish the degree and perhaps to work his way into the squad in the future, Sara chose to transfer back to San Beda.

Office of the Sports Development (OSD) Director Emmanuel Calanog disclosed that Sara left the Green Archers in good terms, and his departure was civil.

The LaSallian contacted Sara, but he was not available for an interview.

OSD Director Emmanuel Calanog lamented about Marata’s case. He disclosed that the office did everything it could to keep Marata, but it was not enough.

“The University will not compromise their standards, even if he is a good player,” said Calanog.

Former Green Archers Marata and Sara might have changed environments, but they will still be seen on jersey uniforms; this time, wearing maroon, and red accordingly.

source: The Lasallian