Ex-UAAP sniper Ritualo proud to see Falcons click from outside

MANILA, Philippines – When Jerrick Ahanmisi shot the lights out in his UAAP debut Sunday, the nods and the smiles came most notably from another marksman in the sidelines.

It was someone who turned himself into a legend in the collegiate arena for his shooting acumen. One who went by the moniker "Rainman" in Philippine basketball lore.

Shortly after the Soaring Falcons' dismantling of the Fighting Maroons, Adamson coach Franz Pumaren jokingly told reporters, "I just want to put the record straight. It wasn't Renren (Ritualo) teaching [Ahanmisi and Robbie Manalang to shoot]. It's me."

Ahanmisi announced his arrival in the UAAP with a 28-point barrage over the Maroons. 18 of those came from rainbow territory, where he sank six of seven tries.

Manalang, on the other hand, made two looks from distance.

"Sobrang ganda ng pinakita nila. Sabi namin sa kanila pagpasok ng dugout, consistency is key," Ritualo said.

Ritualo,  before carving out a storied career in the Philippine Basketball Association, served Pumaren in the fabled De La Salle team that snared four championships in the UAAP.  He is one of the two deputies the decorated coach brought with him in his move to helm Adamson.

"Although they are rookies, you have to give it to them because walang rookie jitters," the former said.

"Masipag mag-practice yung mga bata. May mga ginagawa kami before the practice that gives importance to their skills.

True enough, the hard work paid off for the young cagers. Aside from the sweet shooting from the 3-point line, both Ahanmisi and Manalang were perfect on from the charity stripe.

"Sabi lang namin, do what we practice and play like we do in our practice sessions. We told them to keep their calm," Ritualo added.

Ritualo has been a three-time All-Star in the PBA. He has won a championship with the Talk 'N  Text Phone Pals in 2008 to go with his Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year and Mr. Quality Minutes Award.

He was a national team trooper, too. Before that, he was a four-time Philippine Basketball League champion.

With the young cagers' marksmanship on display for everyone to see, the unavoidable question has reached Ritualo: Do they have a chance against the Rainman?

"Every time na tatanungin ako about dyan, sasabihin ko ako ang mananalo," he said.