Being the longest running collegiate league in the country which still develops youngsters for the country’s brighter future, the NCAA looks back to its dazzling iconic alumni by honoring them during the opening ceremonies of Season 93 on Saturday at the MOA Arena.
“The purpose of this tribute is to acknowledge really the fruit of the NCAA because these are coming from the NCAA schools,” Rev. Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR of the host-school San Sebastian Golden Stags said.
Among the honorees were Vergel “The Aerial Voyage” Meneses, Philip “The Scholar” Cezar both from the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
Also honored were Mapua’s Chito Victolero, who is now the rising head coach of Star Hotshots in the PBA and Atoy “The Fortune Cookie” Co, who is currently handling the Cardinals.
It was an uncommon scenario for every players and fans to see their golden notable alumni gathering into the center-stage, not wearing different jerseys with eyes fire-burning, but treasuring the moment with pride and dignity.
“We invite the alumni icons of the institutions. Their presence are more than the words or speeches. ” the NCAA Season 93 Policy Board President Rev. Fr. Nemesio Tolentin said.
The league also did not forget the great contributions of other former and current professional players like PBA players Nard John Pinto of Blackwater and Jio Jalalon of Star from Arellano University, former PBA champion Sunday Salvacion and current Globalport rookie Jonathan Grey from College of St. Benilde, Christ Fernan Mejos and Generals coach Ariel Sison from EAC, Gary David from Lyceum, San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya and former Stags and PBA champion Rommel Adducul.
Moreover, the recognition was not just for the basketball players, but also for the products of NCAA schools who continue to emerge in their own industries – businessman James Tan Sy of San Beda, MOR disc jockey Jhaiho of Lyceum, Dr. Karl Emmanuel Mercader and General Rosendo Dial of University of Perpetual Help and government official Dr. Alfonso Mora from this year’s host San Sebastian.
“We recognize the contributions they have to the sporting world. Because they’re not playing only for NCAA but they played in the PBA, in the national team and a lot of things,” Fr. Tolentin emphasized.
The NCAA, on its 93rd season with a theme “Reignite: Bolder. Braver. Stronger,” will bring back the games to every school included in the league. | Tretch Melarpes – PTV
