Letran’s Jimboy Estrada. Photo from NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocol

MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran is having an impressive run in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament so far.

After eight games, the Knights are right on track to redeem themselves from last year's nightmare of a season, with the Muralla-based team sitting at No.3 in the team standings with a 5-3 record.

And while their three-game win streak has been ended by none other than their lifelong rival San Beda University in an intense clash on Tuesday at the San Juan Arena, their newest top ace Jimboy Estrada remains upbeat about the development that they have shown. 

READ: Sajonia, Puno power San Beda's escape of Letran to regain winning ways

"Solid game, kasi nandoon kami eh, dikit naman," the 6-foot, former St. Clare College star who transferred to Intramuros in Season 99, told ABS-CBN News. 

The Red Lions' championship poise prevailed in the endgame against the young Knights, with new San Beda guard Bryan Sajonia draining the game-winning three-pointer that allowed the reigning titlists to improve to 4-3. 

"Nahulog lang talaga yung three-pointer ni Sajonia, pero andun naman kami sa laro. Kaya lang, kailangan pa naming bawasan yung turnovers, at makapag communicate sa loob ng court," he added.

Jimboy, much like how he has been performing throughout the year so far, was at the forefront of Letran's charge that allowed them to go toe-to-toe with San Beda until the end game.

Estrada hit a number of tough shots to cut their 58-51 deficit, and he even gave the Knights a 64-63 lead with under a minute left just moments before Sajonia drained his trey later on. 

This, according to the 22-year-old, is a task that he has been continuously working to live up to ever since he prepared to suit up for CSJL while serving his residency.

"Lagi namang sinasabi sa akin ni coach [Allen Ricardo] na dapat stay composed lang sa ginagawa namin sa court, so kung ano yung binibigay sa aking trabaho ni Coach Allen, gagawin ko lang," he shared.

"Nung preseason pa lang, yun na yung pinapagawa niya sa akin, at sa akin niya binibigay kapag crucial pa," added Jimboy, who is putting up 15.6 points 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game — all team highs.

But for Estrada, who is also averaging a second team-best 1.1 rejections but with 4.9 turnovers per game, much is still needed for him to really deliver the best for Letran. 

"Kailangan ko pang i-improve yung defense ko at bawasan pa yung turnovers ko," admitted Jimboy. "Fewer turnovers, better communication, and defense talaga."

This is also the challenge of Ricardo to Estrada who he considers as Letran's newest ace. 

"Sobrang taas ng tiwala ko sa bata na yan, at ang taas ng respeto ko sa bata na yan," raved the two-time NCAA juniors champion. "Talagang I'll find ways for him to get open kasi at the end of the day, babagsak ka talaga sa best player mo eh. Binibigay ko talaga sa kanya yung bola."

"Pero ang sa akin lang, pinapaintindi ko sa kanya yung timing, spacing, kung kailan niya ipe-pressure then release yung bola," he added.

Letran’s Jimboy Estrada (#26) with Kobe Monje (#39) and Rafael Go (#8). Photo from NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocol. 

Fortunately for Ricardo, Jimboy is a willing learner and a great listener aside from his on-court prowess. 

"Better reads pa kung kanino niya dapat ipapasa para mabawasan, pati don’t force any issues. Alam niya rin naman yun, and sinasabi niya rin sa akin na: 'Coach, sasabihan mo ako kapag sumosobra na ako.' Kaya kagi ko siyang sinasabihan na hanapin niya yung open," said the tactician.

"Mabait na bata siya at nakikinig siya palagi kaya wala kaming problema pag dating sa practices and pag dating sa games. Kailangan lang talaga na siyempre, as a coach, may clarity sa kung anong gusto mong ipagawa sa kanya para regardless of winning or losing, at least, may direksyon."

"Pero I’m happy na with the progression of Estrada. Ang laki na ng in-improve niya," added Coach Allen.

However, Ricardo wants Estrada to further elevate his game not just through on-court improvement, but by embracing a leadership role for the Knights. 

"Oo yun ang gusto ko para sa kanya," he said. 

"And tingin ko, papunta na rin siya doon — na maging vocal siya sa team like sila Paolo Javillonar and Kobe Monje. Papunta na rin siya doon definitely," said Ricardo.

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