THE Letran Knights, the reigning champion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament, will have a new coach in Season 99 when they defend their crown.
Rensy Bajar will call the shots after head coach Bonnie Tan announced his departure from the team on Sunday.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities that Letran has afforded me. I’m deeply appreciative of how the community has welcomed me since I came on board and being considered as an honorary Letranite will always be one of the biggest achievements I could ever receive,” said Tan in a statement.
Bajar, one of Tan’s assistant, took over practice sessions starting Monday.
Tan has coached Letran over the last four years, with the Knights claiming titles in Seasons 95, 97 and 98.
“Coach Rensy has been with us during the three-peat era and I’m confident that he can sustain the winning culture that we have built with the Knights,” added Tan.
In the next conference of the Philippine Basketball Association, Tan will focus on rebuilding NorthPort Batang Pier, where he is the head coach in an interim capacity.
The 50-year-old Tan took over the Knights when he replaced Jeff Napa back in Season 95.
Bajar also handles the Diliman College Blue Dragons.
Tan also thanked San Miguel Corporation top executive Ramon S. Ang and sports director Alfrancis Chua for their support.
Ang and Chua have shifted their support to the development of the University of Santo cage program in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“As I close this chapter, I cherish all of those who believed in what we could do for the Knights, from boss Ramon S. Ang and sports director Alfrancis Chua of San Miguel Corp. to Letran Rector Fr. Clarence Victor C. Marquez, OP, Vice President for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. Cristina M. Castro-Cabral, Ph.D, and athletic director Fr. Victor Calvo, OP,” added Tan.