DLSU: Following the leader, but where’s the leader?

This year was very crushing to the loyalists of the Taft based squad as this is the only time that the Green Archers have failed to reach the Final Four since the emancipation of the format. To add insult to injury, the lowly National University Bulldogs were the ones who closed the door on the Archers as they fell to 6th place (Adamson University bested them because of the quotient rule) to end the 72nd season of the UAAP. Based on the performance of the rookies and the sophomores of the squad, next year would be a whole better year for them. Headed by King Archer hopeful Joshua David Webb, the cast of Maui Villanueva, “Tayshaun” Andrade, Arvie Bringas and Joseph Marata, the Archers are looking good and would definitely enter the Final Four next year. On talent alone, these guys could’ve undoubtedly made the Final Four already this year. The situation however made it hard for coach Franz Pumaren to properly balance the team. The team, though brimming with talented freshmen and second year players still had “savy” veterans that were present from the last DLSU championship team. James Mangahas was touted to be the King Archer for the year however his performance seemed to indicate otherwise. Other veterans Bader Malabes, Peejay Barua and Ferdinand couldn’t help the cause as well. Their performances were mediocre at best marred with inconsistencies that had fans scratching their heads. Actually in my eyes, they performed the same way had during the past year. You must understand that these players were molded to be role players. And they stuck to that monicker up until the end. The glaring lack in a leader who they could go to and someone who the players would look up to was evident. Actually, the problem was that none of these players were groomed to be a leader during the previous years. Rico Maierhofer was supposed to be this team’s leader. Since he went pro, the coaching staff had to put these role players into a spot that they aren’t really comfortable with. Putting it into perspective, imagine Jordan and Pippen leaving the 1998 championship team. Who would’ve carried the load Toni Kukoc? That’s the same thing that happened to these Archers. It would’ve been hard for Pumaren to directly expect a lot from his youngsters considering the its their first time to be logging more minutes.

For the future, as early as now the coaching staff has to clearly define the roles of the youngsters. They shouldn’t be as dependent to one primary go to guy as what happened to the other older players. These guys have to be taught as early as now how to lead. Especially for Webb if he is the future of the team. Proper training and recognition for the first and second option should be given so that the system would be properly implemented. With a cast this talented, these guys should be given chances to grow as early as now so that any body can step up if the opportunity calls for it. The future looks bright for DLSU with all that talent. Proper development and growth however must be stressed. Talent alone cant propel you to the top. As a reminder, Kwame Brown anyone?