Underdogs: How Aljun Melecio and the Junior Archers are still a work in progress

The Junior Archers consider themselves as brothers more than just teammates. (Photo Credit: Karen Navarozza, ArcherPride.com)

This summer was a memorable one for the De La Salle Junior Archers and team captain Aljun Melecio. The Junior Archers were crowned as the champions of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Tournament, where they edged out rivals Ateneo Blue Eaglets and the NU Bullpups. For Aljun, he won the MVP award in the same tournament in a virtual landslide, over players like Jolo Mendoza, Shaun Ildefonso, John Clemente and Justine Baltazar. Despite all of these accolades which they have collected over the summer, Aljun and the Junior Archers know they have no reason to gloat. 

After all, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets are the defending champions in the UAAP tournament, not them. Plus, memories of last season's early exit still haunts the team until now.

"It was really tough losing against NU during the stepladder match," Melecio lamented. But the scoring guard out of Lourdes remained optimistic despite the early elimination last year. "It was a good experience since I still have one more year to put our alma mater on top. That game (versus NU) gave me a lot of confidence entering this season knowing that a lot of seniors graduated already, and now I'm up against players my same age." 

Confidence wouldn't be enough, as Melecio knew that he still had to work on his game despite playing with players who are as old as him. Plus, it is his last year. So during the preseason, he put it upon himself to work on the different facets of his game for his senior year.

"I worked on my game a lot, 'cause this season is my last and I wanna make it count." But he isn't satisfied with what he's done, as there's one thing that he still wants to work on. "I worked on my shooting, but until right now, I'm still not satisfied. Sana makachamba na lang na pumasok," he joked. Basketball is a team game, however. It wouldn't be possible for La Salle to win a championship if it was only Aljun who did work over the summer. So of course, the whole Junior Archers squad did work as well.

According to the Mythical 5 member last year, the whole team worked on their individual skills over the summer. Most importantly, the Junior Archers were able to work on how they would operate as a team. "We worked on how we play as a team inside the court. Iba kasi talaga pag complete kayo sa training. Narereview lahat ng plays tsaka para alam namin pa'no gumalaw yung isa't isa sa team." The extended time to be able to bond has brought Zobel closer with each other. They've become more than just teammates.

"We're all brothers on and off the court," Melecio shared regarding the bond of the team. With a tough first game ahead of them, the Junior Archers will definitely need each other. They may be excited, but at the same time, they very well know that they will be up against the defending champions. 

It won't be easy for Melecio and the Junior Archers. Despite the successful preseason that they had, they're still the underdogs. They still have things to work on in their game. They're the ones who don't have the championship. Come Season 78, they're looking to change that. As brothers. As underdogs. As one La Salle.