Recruitment spells difference, says Lim

MANILA, Philippines — Deep into the post-game chat with Frankie Lim of San Beda, a scribe asked him about his outlook for Season 88th of the NCAA but the multititled mentor politely declined.

“Let us savor this moment first,” said a beaming Lim, eliciting laughter from those around him, moments after the Red Lions roared their way to a record-tying 16th NCAA cage title at the expense of the hard-fighting San Sebastian Stags.

Lim said the climb to the summit was fraught with difficulties, stressing that he never expected his team to just have two losses going into the finals.

The injury suffered by Sudan Daniel just before the tournament startled Lim but instead of lamenting the void left by the 6-8 center, Lim used it as a rallying point for his players to find ways to make up for his absence.

“I told them ‘wala na si Su (Daniels) so you guys have to deliver,’” said Lim, noting that he realized that San Beda would go all the way to the top after they beat the Stags in the battle for the top spot in the Final Four.

“That win was very important because it proved that we can win against them.”

The Stags were like a bunch of marauders in the elimination round as they feasted on just about any team that was thrown against them.

Even though SSC’s image of invincibility was shattered by Letran, it remained a dangerous foe even for a cohesive unit like San Beda owing to their explosive nature.

Lim said everything boils down to teamwork, a trait that he wants retained when the Lions attempt to win their fifth title in six years.

A few major players won’t be around to beef up the Lions next year as David Marcelo, adjudged the MVP Finals, Jess Villahermosa and Garvo Lanete will finally go elsewhere to ply their trade.

But Lim is confident he will have the same brand of intensity and cohesiveness with the arrival of players from San Beda’s farm team.

Asked about the players he will be recruiting to shore up his squad, Lim said it’s no secret who will take the places of those not coming back, hinting that the opposition will get the chance to size them up even before the kickoff of Season 88.

Lim said the San Beda recruitment program is key to their success the past few years.