Green Archers of Last Year Rally to Inspire Team: We’ve Been Here Before
Photo Source: Francis Escandor
With their backs against the wall and one loss away from elimination, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers received a potential boost ahead of Game 2 of the UAAP Finals. Last year’s champions — Francis Escandor, Benjamin Phillips, Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle, and Joaqui Manuel — visited the current team during practice to offer encouragement. Their presence served as a reminder that despite the daunting task ahead of them, La Salle was in this same situation last season.
This display of solidarity came in the wake of the Green Archers’ tough loss to the UP Fighting Maroons in Game 1 of the Finals, where UP’s execution and intensity set the tone for the series. The visit by these recent champions served as a rallying cry for La Salle’s determination and grit, as they aim to win two consecutive Finals games for the second straight year.
“We just showed our support to boost their morale and told them that we have been in that situation before, and it’s far from over,” said Francis Escandor, who was part of last year’s title-winning squad. Escandor emphasized that the team’s journey is far from complete, adding, “We decided, us old teammates, to come visit and show that we’re with them this Finals.”
Focus on Josh David and Veteran Leadership
For graduating guard Josh David, the support from his former teammates was especially poignant. Escandor noted, “We did talk to Josh David because it’s his last year with the team. And we’re more than sure that he’ll give his all this coming Game 2.”
David, who has been a steady presence throughout the season, even cracking the MVP race, struggled in Game 1. The message to him — and the rest of the team — was clear: the fight isn’t over.
Green Archers Forged in Fire
Benjamin Phillips, another key figure in last year’s championship run, highlighted the resilience that defines this group.
“What I like about this team is everyone was forged in the fire from last year, so even rookies like EJ Gollena are champion vets now,” Phillips said. He emphasized the importance of trusting the system and matching the will to win with execution.
Phillips recalled how La Salle rallied together under similar circumstances in the previous Finals, saying, “This time last year is when the entire La Salle community banded together to put forth a strong response to adversity in Game 2. I believe they are ready for the challenge, and it will definitely be an exciting Game 2.”
Green Archers Camaraderie
The visit from their former teammates was a testament to the enduring bond shared by Green Archers past and present. The only player absent was Jonnel Policarpio, who was attending to family matters. Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips, who remain critical to La Salle’s title hopes, expressed their gratitude for the visit and assured their former teammates that they would not go down without a fight.
Escandor shared the confidence of the team’s current leaders: “Kevin and Mike were there, and they really appreciated us coming! They just told us that they for sure are going to bounce back.”
A Call to the La Salle Community
As Game 2 approaches, the message of brotherhood and resilience resonates beyond the players. La Salle’s championship history has included stories of overcoming adversity.
If there’s one thing this visit proved, it’s that the Green Archers never stand alone. And with their backs against the wall, that unity might just be the spark they need to keep the championship dream alive.
Game 2 of the UAAP Finals promises to be a thrilling battle. As the Green Archers look to extend the series, they’ll carry with them the support of those who wore the green and white before — a brotherhood determined to see them succeed.
