DE La Salle University’s championship celebration is over, and longtime benefactor Enrique K. Razon, Jr. wants the Green Archers to treat the upcoming UAAP Season 89 as a fresh start.
Razon recently met with the La Salle basketball team over lunch at Solaire, where he reminded the defending champions that last season’s success would have no bearing on the new campaign, as reported by All-Star Magazine.
Instead of dwelling on their previous title, Razon urged the players to regain the drive and determination required to win again.
Razon’s message comes at a crucial point for the Green Archers, who are attempting to become back-to-back UAAP men’s basketball champions.
La Salle has made three straight Finals appearances under head coach Topex Robinson, winning the championship in 2023 and 2025 while settling for second place in 2024 after losing to the University of the Philippines.
Razon has remained closely involved with the Green Archers throughout their recent rise.
Before the 2023 season, he challenged the team to win the championship and promised another gathering if they delivered. He later hosted the players following their Finals victory over UP.
He also met with the squad before Season 87 and encouraged the defending champions to retain the mentality of a team still hunting for success.
Razon’s competitive nature surfaced again during the latest gathering, when he reportedly described finishing second as being the “first loser” before throwing out a new challenge to the team.
“Let’s go for 6 [championships]!” Razon was quoted as saying.
The businessman’s support for La Salle athletics extends beyond the basketball program. His backing, including through ICTSI, has helped support athletic scholarships and sports facilities at the university.
The Enrique M. Razon Sports Center at the DLSU Manila campus is named after his father, a La Salle alumnus and former athlete.
As Season 89 approaches, the focus for the Green Archers is no longer on what they have accomplished, but that they must prove themselves once again. (Adrian Co)
