I still remember watching that Game 3 where June Mar Fajardo played through obvious pain, putting up 12 points and grabbing 14 rebounds despite not being at full strength. That kind of dedication reminds me exactly why DLSU has produced some of the most dominant players in UAAP history. There's something special about La Salle basketball - it's not just about raw talent, but about heart and resilience that transforms good athletes into legends.
When I think about DLSU's greatest players, my mind immediately goes to Don Allado. The man was an absolute beast in the late 90s, leading La Salle to back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999. His numbers were staggering - averaging around 18 points and 12 rebounds during their championship runs. What made him truly special was his ability to take over games when it mattered most. I recall one particular game against Ateneo where he dropped 25 points and completely dominated the paint. That's the DLSU spirit right there - rising to the occasion against our arch-rivals.
Then there's Renren Ritualo, probably the purest shooter I've ever seen come out of the UAAP. The man was literally automatic from beyond the arc. During their 2001 championship season, he was putting up numbers that would make modern three-point specialists blush. I remember watching him drain seven three-pointers in a single game against UE, finishing with 28 points. His shooting form was so perfect it looked like poetry in motion. Even today, when I see players struggling from downtown, I think back to Ritualo and how he made it look effortless.
Speaking of making things look easy, let's talk about Mike Cortez. "The Cool Cat" they called him, and man, was that nickname perfect. He played with such calmness and control that you'd think he was moving in slow motion while everyone else was frantic. His court vision was unbelievable - I've lost count of how many no-look passes he completed that left defenders completely baffled. During the 2001 championship run, he averaged something like 14 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. But numbers don't do justice to how he controlled the tempo of every game he played.
Now, I know some fans might argue about who deserves the top spot, but for my money, JVee Casio belongs in any conversation about DLSU greats. That man had ice in his veins during clutch situations. I'll never forget his game-winning shot against UE in 2008 - down by one with seconds remaining, he drove through three defenders and hit a floating jumper as time expired. The Green Archers went crazy, and honestly, so did I watching from home. He averaged around 16 points that season, but it was his leadership that really set him apart.
What's interesting about DLSU's legacy is how different eras produced different types of dominant players. In the early 2000s, we had big men like Adonis Santa Maria who controlled the paint, while more recent years gave us versatile guards like Thomas Torres. Each brought something unique to the game, yet all shared that distinctive La Salle fighting spirit. I remember watching Santa Maria absolutely bully opponents in the post, putting up 20 points and 15 rebounds in a crucial Final Four game. Meanwhile, Torres could light it up from anywhere on the court, with several 20-point games that showcased his scoring versatility.
The common thread through all these players? Mental toughness. That same quality we saw in Fajardo playing through injury - that willingness to push through pain and exhaustion for the team. I've noticed that DLSU players particularly excel in high-pressure situations. Maybe it's the coaching, maybe it's the culture, but there's definitely something in the water at Taft Avenue that produces clutch performers.
Looking at the current crop of Green Archers, I see that same potential for greatness. The legacy continues with players who understand what it means to wear that green and white jersey. It's not just about individual stats - though DLSU players certainly put up impressive numbers - but about elevating the entire team. That's what separates good players from truly dominant ones. They make everyone around them better, just like all the greats I've mentioned here did throughout their UAAP careers.
As I reflect on these basketball legends, what strikes me most is how each player left their unique mark on the game while upholding that distinctive La Salle style of play. From the dominant big men of the 90s to the sharpshooting guards of the 2000s and the versatile all-around players of recent years, DLSU's basketball program has consistently produced athletes who don't just play the game - they define it. And that, to me, is what makes following La Salle basketball so special season after season.