Letran Squires basketball
{{Infobox college basketball team
| name = Letran Squires
| university = Colegio de San Juan de Letran
| logo = Letran_Knights_Season_91_logo.png
| logo_size = 160px
| founded = 1924
| location = Intramuros, Manila
| history = Letran Squires (1928–present)
| coach = Willie Miller
| tenure = 1st
| nickname = Squires
| color1 = Blue
| color2 = Red
| hex1 = 020080
| hex2 = c80000
| free_tournament_label3 = NCAA Champion
| free_tournament_data3 = {{cslist
|1928|1929|1930|1932|1948|1957|1975|1979|1983|1985|1990|2001|2023|2024
}}
}}
The Letran Squires basketball is the high school boys' basketball program of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The Squires have won 14 championships since joining the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
History
= Pre-war: Letran's first three-peat =
After Letran joined the NCAA in 1924, they have won its first NCAA crown in 1928, then known as the midget basketball championship. Letran then retained the crown in 1929 and in 1930. It was Letran's first Grand Slam. It again won in 1932, now the regular junior basketball championship.{{Cite web|title=Sports in Letran - Through the Years|url=http://www.letran.edu/sports_history.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003200208/http://www.letran.edu/sports_history.php|archive-date=October 3, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2024|website=letran.edu.ph}}
= After the war =
In 1948 season, Letran capped its 5th juniors basketball title under head coach Angel de Leon. Nine years later, in 1957 they have captured their 6th title under head coach Luis Tabuena and the team was bannered by Miguel de la Concepcion.
Letran would not win a juniors title again until 1975 which was bannered by Richard Young.
= Double championships and subsequent titles =
In 1979, the Squires, bannered by Terry Saldaña and mentored under head coach Larry Albano, won its 8th juniors title and at the same time Letran won its very first double championship together with their seniors' counterpart. Another double championship celebration was held when the Squires won its 9th title in 1983 under head coach Freddie Reyes and bannered by Gene Afable and Gido Babilonia.
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! style = "background:#020080; border:2px solid red; color:white"|Letran Squires 1979–80 NCAA Juniors Basketball Champions |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Terry Saldaña · Jerry Palma · Carlito Mamangon · Robert Villalon · Peter Serrano · Willy Del Castillo · Samuel Sison · Jerry Gonzalez · Joselito Navales · Jojo Cuison · Enrico Cruz · Dennis Lee · Rolando Manhilot |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Head coach: Larry Albano |
In 1984, however, they have failed to defend their title as they have lost to Trinity College Baby Stallions. The team was bannered by Babilonia and Alfrancis Chua. In 1985, Babilonia and Chua successfully reclaimed the championship for the Squires before they transferred to UST to play college basketball for the Glowing Goldies.{{Cite web |last=Talao |first=Tito |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Letran Knights welcome a former Squire |url=https://mb.com.ph/2018/02/15/letran-knights-welcome-a-former-squire/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin}} In 1990, under head coach Mollet Pineda, the Squires have captured another juniors title after five years. The team was bannered by Chris Cantonjos. The following year, Letran returned its juniors championship trophy after a player was found to be ineligible.{{Cite web |last=Quilala |first=Gester Jeff |date=June 2005 |title=A Knight's Tale |url=http://thelance.letran.edu/jun2005/f4_jun2005.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908221123/http://thelance.letran.edu/jun2005/f4_jun2005.htm |archive-date=September 8, 2008 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=The LANCE}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! style = "background:#020080; border:2px solid red; color:white"|Letran Squires 1983–84 NCAA Juniors Basketball Champions |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Marlon Bolabola · Elmer Bolabola · Jun Novela · Gene Afable · Mady Tabora · Glenn Lazarte · Fritz Webb · Gido Babilonia · Joseph Oba · Jojo Cuison · Eric Enad · Fernando Libed · Glenn Holgaza |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Head coach: Fred Reyes |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! style = "background:#020080; border:2px solid red; color:white"|Letran Squires 1990–91 NCAA Juniors Basketball Champions |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Francis Arabit · Long David · Danny Salamat · Jess Pangilinan · Raymond Novela · Chris Cantonjos · Vimbie Avila · Jeff Quiamco · Paul Guerrero · Danny Almendra · Rudolph Santos · Gian Paulo Evidente · Alvin Magpantay |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Head coach: Mollet Pineda |
= 2000s: One more title and post-championship frustrations =
The Squires once again would not win a juniors title. In 2000 season, they swept the eliminations, clinching a 14-0 sweep, only to be frustrated in two games by 2nd-seed Mapua Red Robins in the Finals.{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2001 |title=Amazing Squires' tale of triumph |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2001/10/06/135796/amazing-squires146tale-triumph |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Philstar Global}}
In 2001, bannered by Jay-R Reyes and JC Intal, successfully captured the NCAA juniors championship by beating the San Beda Red Cubs in three games. Leland Ronquillo won Finals MVP honors.
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! style = "background:#020080; border:2px solid red; color:white"|Letran Squires 2001–02 NCAA Juniors Basketball Champions |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Edward Anguista · Mark Balneg · Rico Carino · OJ Cua · Dax Dacanay · Argie De Rama · Rey Guevarra · JC Intal · Brian Javier · RJ Jazul · Juanito Quiamco III · Jay-R Reyes · Leland Ronquillo · Joseph Samson |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Head coach: Jing Ruiz |
In 2002, Squires stars Jay-R Reyes and JC Intal decided to pursue their college basketball careers in the UAAP. Reyes went to UP, while Intal joined Ateneo. The Squires managed to go back in the Finals, but they were beaten in two games by last year's runner-ups San Beda Red Cubs.
In 2003, the Squires finished at 2nd place in standings, but got eliminated by the third-seed Mapua Red Robins in the stepladder semi-finals. The team was bannered by Jeff Morial and Lucas Tagarda.
In 2004, the Squires successfully barged into the Finals. However, they were beaten by the San Beda Red Cubs in three games.{{Cite web|last=Hernandez|first=Rian Jay|date=September 23, 2004|title=Squires steal Game Two in NCAA juniors' tournament|url=http://www.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/news2004/092304-feature03.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208233509/http://www.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/news2004/092304-feature03.shtml|archive-date=February 8, 2005|access-date=August 22, 2024|website=ABS-CBN Pinoy Central}}{{cite news|last=Payo|first=Jasmine|date=September 23, 2004|title=Dolphins bag first NC crown|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-Fc1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=iCUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1118%2C27731310|access-date=August 22, 2024}}
In 2005, the Squires finished 3rd place in the elimination rounds with 8 wins and 4 losses. However, a protest filed by San Beda forced them to forfeit all of their games and disqualified to compete in the Final Four after third-year point guard Lester Alvarez was found out having played in an inter-city league while the tournament is on going.{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2005 |title=Letran Knights Back in the Finals! |url=http://www.ncaa.org.ph/csjl_news.php?newsID=299 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060212220842/http://www.ncaa.org.ph/csjl_news.php?newsID=299 |archive-date=February 12, 2006 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=NCAA.org.ph}} The following season, they would finished winless.
= 2020-present: COVID-19 pandemic and back to championship form =
When the Philippines was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the NCAA Management Committee decided to suspend the 95th season to an indefinite halt.{{Cite news |last=Giongco |first=Mark |date=March 9, 2020 |title=NCAA Season 95 suspended indefinitely, possibly terminated over virus |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/388948/ncaa-season-95-suspended-indefinitely-possibly-terminated-over-coronavirus |access-date=August 24, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}} The following season, no contact sports, including basketball and volleyball, were held.{{cite news |last1=Lozada |first1=Bong |title=No contact sports for NCAA Season 96 |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/425641/no-contact-sports-for-ncaa-season-96 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 11, 2021 |language=en}}
The juniors basketball tournament returned in February 2023. The Letran Squires finally ended their 22-year championship drought by beating LSGH in two games. Squires star Andy Gemao was awarded Finals MVP and Mythical Five, while big man George Diamante clinched Defensive Player of the Year plum and was included in the All-Defensive Team. With the win, Letran achieved a rare double championship together with the Knights since 1983.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Zachi |date=March 16, 2023 |title=NCAA 98: Squires end 22-year drought, give Letran rare 'double' |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/ncaa-98-squires-end-22-year-drought-gives-letran-rare-double/266085 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times}} After the season, Gemao decided to leave Letran to pursue his basketball career in the United States.{{Cite web |last=Micaller |first=Bea |date=September 20, 2023 |title=Letran HS star Andy Gemao set to fly for tryout in US school |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa/sports/basketball/882729/letran-hs-star-andy-gemao-set-to-fly-for-tryout-in-us-school/story/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=GMA News}}
In 2024, the Squires successfully defended their title by beating Perpetual in three games. Moses Manalili bagged the Finals MVP award, while George Diamante once again clinched another Defensive Player of the Year award and All-Defensive Team. After the tournament, head coach Allen Ricardo was named the interim coach of the Letran Knights.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=February 16, 2024 |title=Letran Stays in the Family: Allen Ricardo named interim Knights head coach |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/letran-stays-in-the-family-allen-ricardo-named-interim-knights-head-coach/294517 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times}} Two months later, Ricardo was officially named head coach of the Knights, while former PBA player and alumnus Willie Miller was tasked to mentor the Squires.{{Cite web |last=Anzures |first=Rom |date=May 30, 2024 |title=NCAA: Letran officially names Allen Ricardo as Knights' head coach, Willie Miller to lead the Squires |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/5/30/ncaa-letran-officially-names-allen-ricardo-as-knights-head-coach-willie-miller-to-lead-squires-1200 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN News}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! style = "background:#020080; border:2px solid red; color:white"|Letran Squires 2022–23 NCAA Juniors Basketball Champions |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Arwin Alforque · Emmanuel Anabo · Jovel Baliling · Ian Cuajao · Nurjadden Datumalin · George Diamante · Charles Dural · Andy Gemao · Justine Hugo · Moses Manalili · Paolo Moreno · Jolo Navarro · Daniel Padilla · Dwayne Paguio · Jhazel Paguligan · Sebastian Reyes · Timothy Reyes · Syrex Silorio |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Head coach: Allen Ricardo |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! style = "background:#020080; border:2px solid red; color:white"|Letran Squires 2023–24 NCAA Juniors Basketball Champions |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Arwin Alforque · Jovel Baliling · Timothy Cruz · Jashlie De Leon · Jhuniel Dela Rama · George Diamante · Alex Gazzingan · Thirdie Golez · Justine Hugo · Moses Manalili · Jolo Navarro · Daniel Padilla · Dwayne Paguio · Daniel Quijada · Adrian Quiñones · Sebastian Reyes · Syrex Silorio · Ricardo Sumagang · Rex Villanueva |
| style="border-style: none none none none;"|Head coach: Allen Ricardo |
Season-by-season records
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
| bgcolor=gold| Champion | bgcolor=silver| Runner-up | bgcolor=Peru| Third place |
= Pre-Final Four era =
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" |
| rowspan="2" width="50px" |Year
! colspan="4" |Overall standings ! rowspan="2" width="350px" |Playoffs result ! rowspan="2" width="150px" |Coach |
|---|
| Finish
!GP !W !L |
| 1928
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" |Won midgets tournament | |
| 1929
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" |Won midgets tournament | |
| 1930
|1st |7 |7 |0 | bgcolor="gold" |Won midgets tournament | |
| 1932
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" |Four-way-tie with Ateneo, La Salle, and Institute of Accounts | |
| 1948
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" | |Angel De Leon |
| 1957
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" | |Luis Tabuena |
| 1979
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" | |Larry Albano |
| 1983
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" | |Fred Reyes |
| 1985
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" | | |
| 1990
| | | | | bgcolor="gold" |Won both pennants, automatic won title |Mollet Pineda |
= Final Four era =
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" |
| width=50px rowspan=2|Season
! colspan=5|Eliminations ! width=310px rowspan=2|Playoffs ! width=360px rowspan=2|Awards ! rowspan=2|Head coach |
|---|
| width=55px|Finish
! width=30px|GP ! width=30px|W ! width=30px|L ! width=45px|PCT |
| 2000
|1st/8 |14 |14 |0 |1.000 |bgcolor=silver align=left|Lost Finals (Mapua 0-2) |align=left|Ronjay Enrile (Rookie of the Year) | rowspan="3" |Jing Ruiz |
| 2001
|1st/8 |14 |12 |2 |.857 |bgcolor=gold align=left|Won semifinals (Mapua) |align=left|Jay-R Reyes (Season MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Mythical Five) |
| 2002
|2nd/8 |14 | | | |bgcolor=silver align=left|Won Stepladder Round 2 (Mapua 90-78) |align=left|OJ Cua (Season MVP, Mythical Five, Most Improved Player) |
| 2003
|2nd/8 |14 |11 |3 |.786 | bgcolor=peru align=left|Lost Stepladder Round 2 (Mapua 60-76) | align=left|Jeff Morial (Mythical Five) | rowspan="7" |Elmer Latonio |
| 2004
|2nd/8 |14 | | | |bgcolor=silver align=left|Won semifinals (PCU 78-68) |align=left|Jeff Morial (Mythical Five) |
| 2005
|8th/8 |14 |0 |12 |.000 |Disqualified |align=left|Darell Green (Defensive Player of the Year, Mythical Five) |
| 2006
|8th/8 |14 |0 |12 |.000 |— |align=left|Julius Wong (Mythical Five) |
| 2007
|2nd/6 |10 |7 |3 |.700 |bgcolor=silver align=left|Won semifinals (San Beda 86-96,96-92) |align=left|JM Noble (Mythical Five) |
| 2008
|2nd/7 |12 |9 |3 |.750 |bgcolor=silver align=left|Won stepladder Round 2 (JRU 94-93) |align=left|Jarelan Tampus (Rookie of the Year, Mythical Five) |
| 2009
|T-1st/10 |18 |17 |1 |.944 |bgcolor=silver align=left|Won semifinals (San Sebastian 89-84) |align=left|Jarelan Tampus (Mythical Five) |
| 2010
|T-4th/9 |16 |9 |7 |.563 |Won 4th/5th-seed playoff (JRU 87-73) |align=left|Rey Nambatac (Rookie of the Year, Mythical Five) | rowspan="3" |Monch Gavieres |
| 2011
|2nd/10 |18 |14 |4 |.778 |bgcolor=peru align=left|Lost stepladder Round 2 (LSGH 91-101) |align=left|Rey Nambatac (Season MVP, Mythical Five) |
| 2012
|T-3rd/10 |18 |13 |5 |.722 |Lost 3rd-seed playoff (LSGH 70-75) |align=left|Bong Quinto (Season MVP, Rookie of the Year) |
| 2013
|6th/10 |18 |8 |10 |.444 |— | | rowspan="2" |Junjie Ablan |
| 2014
|3rd/10 |18 |13 |5 |.722 |bgcolor=peru align=left|Lost semifinals (San Beda 64-70) | |
| 2015
|6th/10 |18 |6 |12 |.333 |— | | rowspan="2" |Raymund Tiongco |
| 2016
|6th/10 |18 |7 |11 |.389 |— | |
| 2017
|T-3rd/10 |18 |11 |7 |.611 |bgcolor=peru align=left|Lost semifinals (Malayan 80-82) | | rowspan="3" |Raymond Valenzona |
| 2018
|9th/10 |18 |4 |14 |.222 |— | |
| 2019
|7th/10 |18 |8 |10 |.444 |— |align=left|Shawn Umali (All-Defensive Team) |
| 2020
|colspan=7| Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic |Robert Joseph Guevarra |
| 2021
|colspan=7| No juniors basketball tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic |— |
| 2023{{efn|name=NCAA98|Starting 2022-23 season, jrs basketball will be played in second semester}}
|1st/10 |9 |8 |1 |.889 |bgcolor=gold align=left|Won semifinals (Malayan 83-78) | align=left|Andy Gemao (Finals MVP, Mythical Five) | rowspan="2" |Allen Ricardo |
| 2024
|2nd/10 |9 |7 |2 |.778 |bgcolor=gold align=left|Won semifinals (San Sebastian 91-77) | align=left|Moses Manalili (Finals MVP) |
| 2025
|2nd/10 |9 |6 |3 |— |align=left|Lost semifinals (LSGH 0-2) |align=left|Jhuniel dela Rama (Mythical Five, All-Defensive Team) |align=left|Willie Miller |
Notes:{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{NCAA Philippines seasons}}
{{NCAAPhilippines}}
Category:National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines) basketball teams