Ryan Monteclaro focuses on long-term goals amid setback vs NU: "We’re not yet done, we’re just starting"
Date Posted: November 12, 2024 at 11:22 AM
After suffering a tough 53-72 setback to league-leading National University (NU), Adamson Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro was steadfast in his belief that his team’s journey is just beginning.
Reflecting on the game in a postgame interview, Monteclaro shared an important message for his players: "We’re not yet done, we’re just starting."
For the second-year head coach, the loss to NU was a humbling moment, but not one that defines their season but instead an opportunity for growth. "NU outworked us," he said. "They played the brand of basketball they are used to, that’s the reason why they are the number one team – undefeated team – and would potentially sweep the eliminations."
"This is a good realization for our team," he continued, acknowledging that the Lady Falcons’ performance this season has already surpassed expectations.
He also admitted that securing a spot in the Final Four was already an achievement, also made it clear that this is not the end of the road, emphasizing that if the San Marcelino-based crew wants to go beyond the Final Four and compete for the championship, they need to take further steps forward, especially in terms of consistency and discipline.
The Lady Falcons have certainly shown their ability to bounce back from adversity, and Monteclaro was quick to remind his team of the bigger picture and underscored that their team’s success depends on how they would bounce back after setbacks, and treating these as part of the process of getting to the “next level.”
As they prepared for the Final Four, the former Adamson point guard said he has challenged his players to prove that they deserved to be there and encouraged them to aim higher, emphasizing that it was time to demonstrate their worth as contenders and having an ultimate goal.
He also urged them to continue following their mantra to improve in preparation for bigger challenges, including this season’s Final Four, whether it is in a stepladder or a regular format.
Reflecting on the words Coach Aris Dimaunahan in the post-game conference where the NU head coach greeted him and his team for entering this season’s playoff phase, Monteclaro confessed that he was flattered, although he quickly explained that his focus remains on the bigger picture.
“For me, on my second year, making it to the Final Four with no expectations at all, being ranked in the lower bracket before the start of the season, to now being congratulated by one of the top coaches in the women’s program, it’s motivating," he said.
"I would love to bring Adamson to that [same] level – to dominate the women’s division," he continued, noting that his ultimate goal is to elevate his Alma mater and bring the Lady Falcons to the forefront of women’s college basketball.
Beyond wins and losses, Monteclaro has a program that is slowly earning respect in the league. As Adamson heads into the Final Four, his unwavering belief in his team’s potential and his commitment to building a championship-caliber program is evident.
"It’s more on the respect that we’re receiving as a program, as Adamson, as a women’s basketball team that is slowly gaining respect," he said. "It’s like getting that confidence: 'We’re Adamson, and we’re going to contend.' That’s what we want day in and day out."
"Hopefully, the coming years, we’ll be able to achieve more, and eventually our ultimate goal, in God’s perfect time."
