PREVIEW: New-look, ‘hungrier’ Benilde eyes another title shot in NCAA Season 100

Published September 2, 2024 6:36pm

Updated September 2, 2024 6:36pm

Key losses: Will Gozum, Migs Oczon, Miggy Corteza, Robi Nayve

Key Holdovers: Mark Sangco, Zenric Jarque

Key additions: Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, Gabby Cometa

Season 99 result: 3rd place (def. LPU in Battle for third, 93-83); 11-7 (end of elims)

When De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde makes its debut in NCAA Season 100, it may look like a new team, but its players boast collegiate and even international experience.

Gone may be the days when the Blazers had stars such as former NCAA MVP Will Gozum, Migs Oczon, Miggy Corteza, and Robi Nayve.

But now, the likes of Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez, who also played internationally with Strong Group Athletics, will banner the Taft-based squad.

For team captain Mark Sangco, this team is hungrier and more determined to win.

“Siguro ito ‘yung team na mas gutom, mas gusto nila mag-champion. Pinapakita nila na mas deserving sila na maglaro ngayon,” Sangco told GMA News Online.

“Itong team na ‘to, bago, maraming pasensya sa sarili. Lahat willing ibigay ang best.”

Aside from Liwag, Ynot, and Sanchez, the Benilde bench also has Gabby Cometa, and other transferees such as Anton Eusebio (UP), Roger Ondoa and Ian Torres (Immaculada Concepcion College), and rookie Gene Carillo from Adamson University.

“Mas malalim ‘yung [bench] ngayon kasi kahit ‘yung third group namin, puwede maging first group. ‘Yun sinasabi sa’min ni Coach Charles [Tiu], kung sinong maganda nilalaro, ‘yun gagamitin niya,” Sangco said.

Sangco also believes that with Charles Tiu entering his fourth season with the squad as its head coach, the Blazers have now become more confident with their system.

“Si Coach Charles talaga, magaling siyang magbigay ng kumpiyansa sa player kaya talagang lumalabas ‘yung talent ng player. Nakay Coach Charles lahat ng sistema na pinapagawa niya sa amin, ginagawa namin. Lahat ng coaching staff namin, magagaling talaga,” Sangco said.

Now in his final playing year, Sangco also just has one wish before he exits collegiate basketball.

“Sinabi ko ‘to nung unang taon ko eh, na bago ako mag-graduate, sana mag-champion ako kahit isa lang.”

Also included in the Blazers lineup are Jesse Arciaga, Jhomel Ancheta, Irele Galas, Zenric Jarque, John Morales, Matthew Oli, Edson Serrano, and Paul Turco.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News