No rancor, only handshakes

In last Sunday’s column previewing Game Three of the UAAP men’s basketball Finals, it was mentioned that “while the rivalry has been bitter and intense from coaches down to players, let’s hope there will be no rancor, only handshakes, when the smoke clears…tears will be shed, in joy or frustration, but let’s remember, regardless of the outcome, everyone will be better from this experience of a lifetime.”

And so the curtains fell on Season 87 with UP prevailing over defending champion La Salle, two wins to one in the best-of-three Finals. The clincher was a heart-stopper like every game in the Last Dance. When it was over, there was “no rancor, only handshakes.”

Reyland Torres went to Kevin Quiambao whom he harangued throughout the Finals and they embraced in a sporting gesture like two fighters who gave it their best in the ring paying respect to each other. JD Cagulangan made the humble move to bid farewell to his adversaries but friends from La Salle. Coach Topex Robinson and Cagulangan hugged. La Salle Br. Felipe Belleza, who took care of Cagulangan during his Greenhills junior years, also had his moment with the Finals MVP. And who can forget that touching incident in Game One when Cagulangan was first to come to the aid of his former Greenhills teammate Josh David who crumpled on the court with cramps. They went toe-to-toe in the Finals but their friendship will forever be strong. Cagulangan and David will now go their separate ways after finishing their varsity eligibility. But who knows? If the stars align and they join the PBA draft, there’s the possibility of a reunion with the same pro team.

There will always be mutual respect between Quentin Millora-Brown and Michael Phillips, too. They battled fiercely in the Finals, often head to head. Brown has a bright future in the PBA. He’s not qualified to play as an Asian heritage import in either Japan or Korea. In Japan, it’s required that he plays for Gilas as a local in a FIBA-sanctioned competition to be classified as an Asian heritage import. In Korea, eligibility hinges on both parents being Filipino and Brown’s father is American. Taiwan, however, is an option. But in the PBA, he’ll command a premium because of his size, US NCAA D1 experience and UP pedigree. Phillips has a year left to play in the UAAP and will try to bring another championship to La Salle.

Cavite Gov. and DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla, a staunch UP supporter, walked over to La Salle’s management team to share the jubilation of witnessing an epic contest before 25,248 fans. That’s why basketball plays such an important part in our lives, he said. “Imagine getting over 25,000 fans together,” Remulla added, noting the unifying element of sports. Remulla saw first-hand the galvanizing power of sports as the country’s chef de mission at the Paris Olympics this year. Another staunch UP supporter Robina Gokongwei deserves congratulations for her unflinching devotion to the Maroons’ basketball program, through thick and thin. She was with coach Goldwin Monteverde’s brother Dondon, UP Dean of Law Lelen Berberabe and two-time SEA Games karate gold medalist/UP math summa cum laude graduate Jamie Lim greeting well-wishers in the Araneta corridors after the game.

La Salle president Br. Bernie Oca said he was proud of how the Archers battled ‘til the end, going down in defeat with integrity, dignity and trust in God for a greater purpose. It was a wonderful testament of being humble in victory and gracious in defeat.