Danding's return big boost to Archers

MANILA, Philippines - It was just a tune-up game but tycoon-sportsman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. watched intently from the baseline as his godsons, the De La Salle Green Archers, played PBA D-League team Blackwater at DLSU’s Enrique Razon Sports Complex one humid afternoon.

As preeminent godfather to the cagers in green, Cojuangco has made it a point to be present in most, if not all, of the young men’s games to rally them and provide inspiration – from practices and scrimmages, to the summer leagues, and of course, to the actual campaign in the UAAP Season 75 basketball wars.

“You have to be with them para to show you really care,” said Cojuangco, who leads an esteemed assembly of 24 “godfathers” to the squad aiming to bounce back from a disappointing stint last year and eventually bring back DLSU’s glory days.

“There has to be a sense of belonging. I do believe the boys have to have that sense of belonging as well and pride in themselves in playing for their alma mater, La Salle. They have to show the La Salle spirit anywhere they are. 

“And if you’re helping them, you also have to feel that you belong to the team. Hindi pwedeng arm’s length ka, wala kang pakialam sa kanila; won’t work that way, in my opinion,” he explained.

Cojuangco said their role is to look after the health and welfare of the players, provide for their needs. And this includes support in their studies.

“What we try to do is provide tutors for players to try to make sure they have the tools to make the grade they have to get. That’s our little help for them. In the long run, that also reverts back to our having a better team,” he said.

The man they call “The Boss” has had health problems but seems to have gained extra energy from his current role.

“I really enjoy the non-professionals because this is the molding of character of young men, of future PBA players. It’s exciting, you help in building them up for the future (you’re continuing to their growth),” he said.

Cojuangco has proven his Midas touch before in previous teams he nurtured, the men’s national basketball team that gained success in the Asian level in the 1980s and the highly successful San Miguel franchise in the PBA.

He, however, is not promising instant success for the Archers, who wound up a measly sixth in 2011.

“What we’ve promised the La Salle public is we’ll try to do better than last year but not to expect too much of us because basically, this is the same team that ended third to the last year, with the exception of Jeron Teng and Mark Tallo and two more new additions, and the new coaching staff.

“If we do a little better than last year, then we’ll be happy, we should be happy. We don’t entertain delusions of being champions (right away). Of course, we’ll try our best but ika nga sa ating pananalita, suntok sa buwan. Pero ang tunay na maasahan natin, mas maganda lang kaysa last year,” he said.

Cojuangco tagged arch rival Ateneo, the four-time defending titlists, and host National U, coming off its title sweep in Filoil Pre-season Cup, as the top contenders this year, with Far Eastern U, University of Santo Tomas, and Adamson tipped to provide challenge.

“You look at it realistically, our team is here,” he said, placing a hand at a low angle. “That’s a nice challenge, being underdogs.”

Like all La Sallians, Cojuangco anticipates the clash of the Archers with the favored Eagles, the first on July 28 at the MOA Arena, the most.

“You always look forward to the best team you are going to compete with and you hope for the best, pray hard that you make it and nobody gets injured,” he said.

DLSU somehow enjoys psychological edge heading to this game, owing to the Archers’  62-59 overtime triumph over the Eagles in the Filoil meet.

“That’s not the real Ateneo. They’ll play a different game in the UAAP and I hope our boys will also play a different game, too,” he said.

Cojuangco expects DLSU to reap the fruits of their program within four years.

“I’m giving myself at least four years. If within four years, I can’t get the championship for this school, then I better think twice,” he said.

“I think we should be able to be pretty good after four years. Otherwise, we didn’t do our job,” he added.