I played for Coach Ato from 1993 to 1996. My story is not like the typical success stories that you have read in social media or publications, since it will rave about sweeping tournaments and winning multiple champions. My story is about what he taught me to do in order to become a better teammate, person, and Bedan.

The first team I played for Coach Ato was the Passerelle (PRADA) Team B composed of raw, disjointed, but very talented teenagers. We lost by an average of 20 points; and perhaps, if my memory will serve me well, we never won a single game. One memory that still lingers up to now, was when the entire team decided to have our hair shaved. Coach Ato, upon seeing on the court, was livid and that continued for a longer period of time. I can fondly remember him saying “Hindi porma ang kailangan para maging basketball player. Kailangan ko ng utak and dedication sa basketball, sa pag-aaral and sa sarili.”. During a game with San Agustin, which we lose, he made me approach my future games differently. He matched me to play one-on-one with much bigger and better players like Ryan Topacio, Mikoyan Co, and the late Henry Mabasa.

That experience helped me improve my game because the following year, I was stronger and a better player. I can still remember the bruises that I had, which were all part of the game. I practiced harder since I do not want to disappoint him. I listened. I watched the first-stringers run the plays and gave everything I have when he asks me to play. The last year I played for Coach Ato was memorable, I played alongside Rocky Mendiola, Earl Merelos, Clint Erestain, Mark Ngkaion, and Robin Lapus. When we won a game, which we dominated with a huge lead, he told us not to celebrate the win but learn from our mistakes and how we could be better teammates. We won against Ateneo in the semi-finals, who then was led by BJ Manalo and Enrico Villanueva, thanks to Earl’s half-court buzzer-beater that brought us to the Championship match against LSGH.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get to play that game due to a knee injury. I was very much upset since I knew that it was my chance to win a game for San Beda and for Coach Ato. The game was and we lost by a close margin. That PRADA Aspirants Team gave me so many memories. We did not win the Championship that year, but we came out as better individuals and the brotherhood we shared will last for a lifetime.

Wearing the San Beda jersey meant a lot to me and to a lot of players. We all wanted to make San Beda proud and wanted to show everyone how Coach Ato was a superb coach and mentor. He certainly taught us not just to be exemplary players but to be fine young Bedan gentlemen San Beda always wanted us to be. We will miss that low-register, but loud voice, that we love to hear during San Beda University Alumni Basketball League. I guess we will need to settle with Sir Roger Baguinon. LOL. Maraming Salamat, Ato. Mahal ka namin.

by Andrew Torres