Going back home: A story of two Archers

As high-profile recruits join DLSU, two Green Archers from the last UAAP roster stepped out and returned to their respective alma maters.

University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) standout Samuel Joseph Marata and San Beda Red Cub playmaker Roldan Sara were out of the 2012 FilOil Flying V Premiere Cup Pre-season lineup while the former was listed to play in the Fr. Martin Cup, but did not play.

Marata and Sara are now back home, and are set to don their high school colors in the collegiate ranks.

Marata: ‘Peyups’ homecoming

The clutch three-point shooter in the La Salle-Ateneo game is known as a part of the La Salle Five, but due to academic ineligibility, he can no longer play as an Archer.

“In my third year, everything went bad for me. I played terrible, I didn’t take my education seriously, and I made a lot of stupid decisions that the school didn’t like. I lost hold of my priorities, and I lost my focus,” Marata shared.

Grades was a concern for the former Archer, who managed only five points with 15 percent precision from rainbow territory last season.

The former AB-PSM student adds, “I needed a fresh start to reassess everything, and to learn from my mistakes, it’s just sad that I couldn’t do it in La Salle.”

None of the people around him, including himself, expected that this would compel him to move to another school, particularly back to UP.

Marata is again establishing himself by regaining his focus, and training with the UP Fighting Maroons to be stronger than ever.

“I’m doing fine. I’m taking everything one day at a time right now. Being positive about everything and I’m also trying to let go and move on. A lot of forgiving and a lot of thanking [were] in the process when I left La Salle though,” an optimistic Marata said.

The former Archer, however, explains that he parted in good terms with his teammates.

“I still keep in touch with some of my teammates. Guys like Norbert Torres, L.A. Revilla, Arnold van Opstal to name a few. Most of all, I’m still close with Martin Reyes since I consider him as one of my best friends,” the former Archer said.

He is hopeful with his new start and said, “If basketball works out then hopefully I can play in the PBA. My number one goal right now though is to graduate, after I

graduate from UP then whatever happens, happens.”

Sara: Back to the Lions’ den

Joining Marata in leaving Taft Avenue is former Nokia U-16 Team Pilipinas member Dan Sara.

Sara went to back to Mendiola this past summer as he was acquired by the San Beda Red Lions.

The 5’10’’ point guard was recruited back in 2010 by Archers’ former coach Dindo Pumaren. Pumaren sought the player after finding a fit for Sara in his defense-oriented system.

He started playing for the Green Archers last season averaging 3.6 minutes in five games.

Unfortunately for him, he was sparingly used and seemed to have been translucent to invisible in the lineup.

With the change of coaching staff, players have been evaluated as to their compatibility with the new system; Sara seemed out of place in the system.

With a choice to stay in La Salle to finish the degree and perhaps to work his way into the squad in the future, Sara chose to transfer back to San Beda.

Office of the Sports Development (OSD) Director Emmanuel Calanog disclosed that Sara left the Green Archers in good terms, and his departure was civil.

The LaSallian contacted Sara, but he was not available for an interview.

OSD Director Emmanuel Calanog lamented about Marata’s case. He disclosed that the office did everything it could to keep Marata, but it was not enough.

“The University will not compromise their standards, even if he is a good player,” said Calanog.

Former Green Archers Marata and Sara might have changed environments, but they will still be seen on jersey uniforms; this time, wearing maroon, and red accordingly.