If anyone believes Letran College head coach Allen Ricardo can win the Season 101 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball crown, it would be his former mentor Louie Alas.

While most fans were surprised with how Ricardo led the Knights to the finals in just his second season, Alas already knew his former assistant coach has the makings of a great tactician.

Ricardo started his coaching career as a deputy for Alas who led Letran to three NCAA titles, from 2008 to 2010.

“With regards to Coach Allen, we’ve been together for the longest time so I know that this opportunity will come to him. I expected that he could do it,” Alas told DAILY TRIBUNE.

“He was my player in Team B. In return, he volunteered as an assistant coach until he became a full-time assistant coach.”

The 39-year-old Ricardo said he owed a lot to Alas as it kickstarted his coaching career.

“I owe him a lot because I started with him. I owe my coaching career to him because of his team concept,” Ricardo said.

“The physical and mental toughness is something he taught us. At the end of the day, we have to overcome adversities in the game.”

Alas’ eye on Ricardo was right on the money.

Ricardo steered Letran to back-to-back NCAA juniors titles in 2023 and 2024, convincing the school to put him in charge of the men’s team for Season 100.

Despite facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals, the Knights were able to overcome Arellano University to book a seat in the semifinals.