University of the Philippines mentor Benson Bocboc is making his former mentors proud despite their four-set loss to De La Salle University in Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament.

Bocboc, who is in his first year as collegiate mentor, made a lot of heads turn following their 22-25, 26-24, 18-25, 17-25 loss to the Lady Spikers late Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The match was overflowing with emotions as it was the first time for Bocboc to be at the opposing end with his longtime mentor in Ramil de Jesus.

But La Salle deputy Noel Orcollo said there was no bad blood between Bocboc and de Jesus as the 11-time UAAP champion coach was very proud of the accomplishments of his former deputy.

“We’ve been together for so long so we’re super proud of Coach Bocboc since he’s already growing in his career,” said Orcollo, after picking up their second win against the Fighting Maroons.

“Seeing him do well gives pride to Coach Ramil. That’s what he really wanted for Coach Bocboc: To have a team where he will serve as its head coach. He’s super proud.”

Bocboc and De Jesus have gone a long way.

In fact, Bocboc played a key role in de Jesus’ coaching staff from 2016 to 2024 in which he was assigned with the analytics and scouting both for La Salle in the UAAP and F2 Logistics in the defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL).

‘It’s nothing, we’re still neighbors. We still often see each other.’

But last year, a golden opportunity came knocking after Farm Fresh offered him to serve as its head coach in the Premier Volleyball League. He eventually accepted the coaching job at UP as its biggest patron, distinguished businessman Frank Lao, also owns the Foxies and Zus Coffee.

Bocboc said despite being at the opposing end, his heart will always be with his de Jesus and his team.

“It’s nothing, we’re still neighbors. We still often see each other,” said the mild-mannered mentor, who led the Fighting Maroons to two straight wins before losing their next two matches in the early stretch of the season.

“We may have different teams in volleyball, but outside, we’re still part of one family. There’s no problem about it.”

“I represent UP and they represent La Salle in a volleyball match. But other than that, it’s different outside.”

He added that no less than De Jesus pushed him to step out of his comfort zone and start calling the shots as head coach. After all, during his stint with the Cargo Movers in the PSL, De Jesus allowed him to serve as interim mentor that gave him a very solid experience as bench boss.