Although this wasn't how he thought things would play out, former Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Engineers head coach Sebastian "Potit" de Vera is happy that at least many of his players have found homes elsewhere, and hopes they continue to follow the "TIP Way," as they move on to different schools.
"The TIP way is doing the best that one can in becoming the best that one can be for the Lord. That encompasses mind, body, and spirit," de Vera told ESPN5.com in an online message.
The whole varsity program was scrapped by school management due to the financial implications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic last May.
As of press time, eight of his players have picked up by either NCAA or UAAP schools, with the Mapua Cardinals emerging as the big winners of the TIP sweepstakes.
The Cardinals scooped up Ivan Santos, a 6'6 forward/center, Marlon Navarro, a 6'4 forward, and in de Vera's opinion, the biggest catch, Jopet Soriano, a 6'3 forward.
"All of our coaches and even Jopet's teammates would choose Jopet to be the first player picked to form a competitive basketball team," explained de Vera.
Bryan Santos, a 6'5 forward who possesses a deft shooting touch, was picked up by the UST Growling Tigers, while Ximone Sandagon, also a 6'5" swing, will move to the FEU Tamaraws.
Meanwhile, Warren Calara, a 6'5 shooting guard/small forward, will head to the De La Salle Green Archers.
Jhon Calisay, a 6'2 guard, and JV Yanes, a 6'5 combo guard, have committed to the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
End of the line
De Vera recalled how school management pulled the plug on such a promising athletics program.
Since students are not likely to attend school due to the pandemic, the school decided to waive the charging of laboratory and athletics fees.
TIP, which did not have sponsors of any kind, relied entirely on the small amount students chipped in every semester to help keep the program afloat. Stoppage meant instant death.
When Letran decided to trim its spending with its varsity, de Vera immediately knew that it was their turn to fold next.
"Of course, the coaches and the players were devastated but I tried my best to put things in perspective for them, especially as we were so busy with online workouts and talks during the first few months of the lockdown before dissolving the varsity programs," remembered the coach.
"TIP couldn't in their right conscience charge students of lab fees and athletics fees which could've saved the varsity programs, but that was just good business sense on the part of the TIP ownership," he added.
Athletes who elected to remain with TIP will be given a chance to boost their grades in order to avail an academic scholarship instead.
This small but feisty program has produced some notable talents since re-opening its doors in 2012.
Phoenix Fuel Master Jorey Napoles and Perpetual's Ben Adamos are some of the more well-known products of the program, and were among its first recruits.
De Vera, who also does scouting and recruitment, admitted that he picked up some of his players who were not able to be accepted into some of the bigger programs.
"All the [eight players] started out as beginners or thrown away players. Ivan Santos was a reject of an FEU tryout back in 2015 when I saw him there," de Vera said.
"Bryan Santos was a team B center at FEU before we developed an MVP-caliber three (small forward)."
He also took pride in turning Sandagon into a reliable shooter.
The coach also assured his players will be of good use to wherever they may choose to go to. "We pride ourselves in our competence and integrity!" closed the former mentor.