Former Letran skipper Balanza welcomes trio of UST transfers

Jerrick Balanza was nothing but praises for the ex-Tiger trio of Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller and Rhenz Abando who made the switch from Espana to Intramuros.

In a Pinoyliga exclusive, the former captain of Letran knows that their defense of the NCAA title was given a huge shot in the arm with the arrival of the trio from UST, knowing that they have needed someone to step up if they want to repeat as champions,.

The swingman was among the troika of seniors in Muralla alongside slotman Christian Balagasay and guard Edson Batiller that led the Knights complete a fairy-tale run to the top after defeating then-unbeaten San Beda in a three-game series last season.

"Masaya ako kasi alam naman natin yung capability nila at malaki ang maitutulong nila para ma-defend ang crown ng Letran," said the second-round pick of crowd darling Ginebra in the PBA.

Balanza added that there's no direct counterpart from the aforementioned transfers but their experience in the UAAP will help Bonnie Tan in more ways than one.

However, they have to prove their worth from now on, given in their new environment.

"Although may strength and weaknesses pero ang maganda dun is yung competitiveness nila dapat lumabas sa practice para matulungan nila ang isa’t isa to improve lalo."

He then added that their arrival will give them a boost in their defense, in which the trio had learned a lot from his former mentor Aldin Ayo who made Mayhem mainstream in college basketball, while making special mention to the burly Bataller for being the anchor of it.

"Magagaling sila kasi naka focus din sila sa depensa which is yun din ang priority ng team."

But with the new environment due to their transfer from one Dominican school to another, Balanza gave advice to them on why they are playing basketball in the first place which is due to the education that they receive.

"For me kailangan lang nila i-balance talaga ang acads at practices. Sa basketball naman alam na nila gagawin nila kasi well experienced na din talaga sila," he said.

Photo: PBA D-League (FILE)