Guiding the Ship: Coach JJ Alejandro and LPU’s Family Spirit

Stepping into the crucible of collegiate basketball as an interim leader is no easy task. For Lyceum of the Philippines University assistant coach JJ Alejandro, holding down the fort over the past two crucial games—from their battle against San Sebastian to a statement win against Arellano University, a top seed in the opposing bracket—meant carrying an immense amount of pressure.

With head coach Jamike Jarin serving a suspension, the responsibility fell on Coach JJ and the coaching staff to keep the Pirates steady. Yet, navigating that high-stakes environment wasn't just about X's and O's it was about leaning on a foundation built on faith, unity, and family.

Throughout the pressured moments on the sidelines, Coach JJ’s ultimate source of personal strength was right in front of him, his mother, keeping a constant vigil and offering prayers as he guided the team through every crucial possession. For Coach JJ, that support from his actual family is a lifelong anchor.

"In the final 10 seconds, that's where you find where you'll draw your strength," Coach JJ shared. "And that's my family. All of their sacrifices and support, that's what gives us the direction to fight all the way to the end."

That deep sense of family extends directly into the heart of the LPU program itself. For Coach JJ, the team operates as an extension of that very same brotherhood, where every player from the veterans stepping up to the entire rotation embraces a package deal of unity.

Whether they are dealing with a suspension, executing a game plan, or dedicating every victory to Coach Jamike, the Pirates treat one another like family.

With the coaching staff including Coach Christian de la Cruz stepping up alongside, LPU proved that their grit comes from a dual source of strength: the families cheering from the sidelines, and the unbreakable family bond built inside the team.