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Letran Knights’ Titing Manalili in action during the Dayo23 event presented by Jordan. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines— Letran guard Titing Manalili said the Knights have spent the offseason motivated by one goal: reclaiming the NCAA men’s basketball championship after falling short last season.
Speaking during the Dayo23 event presented by Jordan in Tondo, Manila, on Saturday, Manalili said the disappointment of losing to San Beda in the NCAA Season 100 Finals continues to fuel the team’s preparation.
READ: Titing Manalili’s steady rise hits another highlight
“It’s our redemption year,” Manalili said. “We’re all eager to bounce back. It’s not just me. The whole team feels the same way.”
San Beda swept Letran in the championship series, denying the Knights another title and leaving a lasting impression on the team’s young core.
Manalili said the setback has translated into a more competitive atmosphere during training.
“In practice alone, I see the difference,” he said. “Everyone competes harder now. I really feel that I’m not the only one who wants redemption. The whole team wants it.”
The loss capped an otherwise impressive campaign for Manalili, who captured both the Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.
The playmaker averaged 14.1 points, 8.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game during the season, emerging as one of the NCAA’s top young talents.
Despite the accolades, Manalili said he has focused on improving his game while learning to tune out criticism, particularly on social media.
“Whatever people think about me, I just accept it because that’s their perception,” he said. “My challenge is to stay consistent and become better than what they think of me.”
“With social media, one mistake can lead to a lot of comments, but I don’t feel pressured by that. The pressure I feel is when my family is watching and I don’t perform well. I don’t pay attention to people who criticize because it doesn’t help.”
Earlier Saturday, Manalili helped power Letran to an 83-72 victory over Mapua in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
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He finished with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals.
