Five batches of De La Salle University men’s basketball champions in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines led by legendary guard Renren Ritualo of the four-peat Green Archers were feted in a star-studded ring ceremony Monday night.
The Henry Sy Sr. Hall Grounds inside La Salle campus saw the gathering of former Green Archers stars from different decades to receive their championship rings honoring their amazing feats.
An initiative and brainchild of San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who won UAAP titles for La Salle in 1998 and 1999, the ring ceremony coincides with the Green Archers’ 25th anniversary of the Franz Pumared-mentored squad that ended an eight-year title drought including a string of four straight bride’s maid finishes in Season 61.
“We wanted to celebrate the 25 years of our first of four straight UAAP titles. Then, not all of the champion teams have received their rings. The 2007 and 2013 had theirs but the 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2016 (teams) haven’t. So, us oldies, felt that we also have contributed to La Salle. I felt that someone had to take the initiative to make this happen,” Zamora, who was the team captain of the 1999 team said.
Zamora along with two-time Most Valuable Player Don Allado, Ritualo, Mon Jose and Dominic Uy formed an organizing committee to set the project in motion.
“We have two objectives, first is to give recognition to the players who have sacrificed and persevered to bring honor and glory to De La Salle University by way of winning championships,” Zamora said.
“The second is, it’s very important, we hope through this ring ceremony, we can inspire the current basketball team to push themselves very hard to win the championship (this year). We want to be an inspiration to them,” he added as the current La Salle squad was also present during the ceremony.
The 2023 La Salle crew under new coach Topex Robinson and led by MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao will face University of the Philippines in the best-of-three series for the Season 86 crown starting Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ritualo, who had his No. 4 jersey retired by the school, had the most rings he proudly flexed alongside the only teammate he shared all four titles with, forward Willy Wilson.
