His return was beautiful. He was able to bring the championship to Letran.

JERRICK Balanza (left) gains a fan in former teammate Kevin Racal. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

Alaska forward Kevin Racal was not surprised at how Jerrick Balanza recovered from that career-threatening brain surgery and ended up as a champion in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Racal was impressed at how his fellow Knight led his team to greatness this season with his leadership that helped Letran dethroned the mighty San Beda University.

“I’m really impressed with that kid. Can you imagine? He wasn’t sure if he’ll be able to play basketball ever again after what happened to him,” Racal said.

“His return was beautiful. He was able to bring the championship to Letran. They’re an elite team,” he added.

Balanza’s career thought to be over after undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumor in the earlier part of Season 94.

But the 23-year old forward overcame the biggest battle of his life when he returned to the court this year and led the Knights to their 18th NCAA tittle.

And Racal was silently cheering for Balanza to recover from the injury.

“I knew that he would be able to get back because he’s a fighter. I always knew that he’s a fighter even during my time with him in Letran,” said Racal, who played alongside Balanza, then a rookie, in the Knights’ 2015 title campaign also against San Beda.

And though Fran Yu was named the Finals Most Valuable Player, it cannot be denied the contribution of Balanza, who averaged 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the championship series, in keeping the team together when the Red Lions tied the series in Game 2.