Published October 8, 2025 8:30pm
Updated October 8, 2025 8:30pm
NCAA Season 101. October 8, 2025. Jonathan Manalili of the Letran Knights. (Photo: NCAA)
Amid Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s tough 0-3 start in NCAA Season 101, head coach Allen Ricardo still finds a reason to stay optimistic.
For one, the sophomore tactician pointed to the gradual rise of trusted guard Titing Manalili as a bright spot in what has been a challenging campaign so far for the Knights.
Manalili, a two-time champion in the junior ranks with the Squires, is slowly finding his rhythm at the senior level despite coming off the bench in all three of Letran’s games so far.
“Nando’n ‘yung kumpiyansa niya kasi at the end of the day, Jonathan is Jonathan. I will rely on him kasi talagang trusted ko na siya sa mga sitwasyon,” Ricardo said on Wednesday.
Manalili turned in his best performance at the collegiate level in their recent 95-80 loss to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, nearly notching a triple-double with 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in 31 minutes of action.
It was a major leap for the Season 99 Juniors Finals MVP, who struggled to find his footing in Letran’s first two outings.
Manalili put together 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists against Jose Rizal University before dropping 13 markers, two boards, six dimes, and two steals against San Beda University.
However, both games saw Letran absorb the loss after suffering a 73-69 setback against the Heavy Bombers and a 68-58 loss to rival Red Lions.
Still, Ricardo is hyped to see his ever reliable guard slowly rediscovering his form in the senior ranks.
“Yes, that’s good for me. I’m still optimistic about him,” Ricardo added.
“At least, ‘di ba, despite of the loss, ‘yun na ‘yung importante na nakakabuwelo na siya sa game niya, which is maganda ‘yung going into the upcoming games.”
The Knights now hope Manalili’s rise can spark the rest of the team as they continue to chase their first win of the season.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
