A chat with CSB's Richard del Rosario

I owe Richard del Rosario a story. We began chatting last PBA season in the television room and our talks about college hoops continued through last year's Fil Oil and NCAA tourney. Somehow it never seemed to get done. But this year, I'll be writing more about other college teams. I think it's more fun that way. In the meantime, here's a short interview with Richard del Rosario.

Take it away, coach!

Rick: Did you ever think that you'd still be connected to the game after you hung up your sneakers? You do sportscasting and now coaching after all.

Richard: I am an accidental sportscaster and coach. I had to stop playing after I got involved in a vehicular accident wherein I broke my leg and forearm and suffered numerous lacerations on my face that needed more than 100 stitches to patch up. I wanted to stay involved in basketball so I auditioned to be part of the PBA coverage team. I studied newscasting with ABS CBN and joined a sportscasting workshop. I was given an opportunity to be part of the coaching staff of Harbour Center and we won a championship. Coaching in CSB was also by accident because Coach Gee Abanilla could not continue his tenure because of other responsibilities so I was thrust in this position last year.

Rick: Did anyone influence you to become a coach or did you have it in you as a player?

Richard: Nobody influenced me to become a coach. I would like to consider myself as a thinking player during my hardcourt days. I cannot rely on my talent simply because I lacked it so I just tried to outsmart my opponents by scouting them and anticipating what they would do. I was a good observer and my former coaches acknowledged this trait.

Rick: What was the toughest adjustment you had to make as a novice coach? Any noticeable differences in the players today as opposed to your days?

Richard: The toughest adjustment for me coaching a college basketball team was all the other responsibilities that come along with it. In the pros and PBL, everything was business like, in the sense that when you need something you can just ask management. You play because of the pay and if you don’t perform you lose your job. In college basketball, you have to consider the academic standing and requirements of your players. The future of these young players is in your hands because you grant scholarships to those who make the team and decline it for those who don’t make it. I have to consider a lot of things in making these decisions and it is tough knowing that you cannot help everybody. Players today are more athletic but I think they are more spoiled because of the attention they get from media. Back in our days, we just played for the glory of the school and nothing else. With the popularity of the sport now, these young players are given endorsement deals and sign managerial contracts as early as high school. I think this practice is counter-productive because players begin to look for incentives in exchange for playing their best.

Rick: Regarding CSB, the team doesn't get much in terms of support unlike DLSU. I hear from others that there's some rivalry between the Green Archers and the Blazers. Care to shed light on that?

Richard: It is true that we don't get much support from La Salle Alumni as compared with DLSU. It is understandable because DLSU is more popular since it has won several UAAP Championships. When I was playing for DLSU we did not have much support either because games were not regularly televised or we did not win on a consistent basis. Everything started to change when we won our 1st UAAP crown in 1989. I am hoping to do the same thing with CSB. How long it would take to start winning would depend on how we can make do with whatever support we are getting at the moment. I am not aware of any rivalry between the Archers and the Blazers but I do wish that there would be more coordination with our basketball programs since we are espousing One La Salle.

Rick: How would you evaluate your first year at the helm of CSB?

Richard: I would describe my first year as enlightening. I discovered the good side and also the ugly side of College basketball. I have learned a lot last year that I hope could make me a better coach this year.

Rick: Looking at this year's team, any new comers? Who do you expect to pick up their game?

Richard: I have a lot of rookies in my team this year. Notable new players would be Carlo Lastimosa and Timothy McCoy who served out their residency. My high school recruits are Luis Sinco from ADMU, JR Ongteco from Letran, Rafael Melocoton ICCHS in Iloilo and Al Amin of San Beda (we are still waiting for the result of his entrance exam).

Rick: How do you see San Sebastian this year? San Beda? And Letran? Do you think that the Knights are weaker?

Richard: San Sebastian would be favored to win back to back because of their seasoned players, San Beda is stronger this year because of their recruits, Letran may be weaker on paper but their hustling style of play makes them a contender.

Rick: What kind of game do you have CSB playing? Are you more of a halfcourt team or do you prefer to run?

Richard: I have a very youthful lineup this year and I am hoping to capitalize on their energy to establish a running type of game.