The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers are bent on rebounding from a disappointing season last year.
They did not make it to the Final Four with their veteran-laden squad.
But, in the coming 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament, the coaching staff is upbeat that the team will make a big turnaround.
The team took a lot of effort in getting the team ready with their pre-season sorties.
“Ok naman. Naka finals kami sa Got Skills kahit pito lang ang holdovers namin,” said JRU assistant coach Vic Lazaro, on behalf of coach Vergel Meneses.
The Heavy Bombers will miss Darius Estrella because of ACL tear hi sustained in the pre-season while Jordan dela Paz and Paulo Pontejos were among those who have graduated already.
Lazaro said the team will rely on the performances of the remaining veterans led by Teytey Teodoro, Ervin Grospe, Gio Lasquety, Mark de la Virgen and their big men Abdulwahab Abdulrazak and Abdel Potouochi.
“Aasahan namin ang mga rookies sa takbuhan at ang mga veterans sa half-court para di naman sila mabugbog,” he added.
The Heavy Bombers missed the Final Four last year by placing fifth.
Untried and untested rookies like Karl Bordon, Lloyd Castor, Richard David, Jomer Mariano, Ivan Mate, and the brother of Paolo Pontejos, John Philip, will be there to prove themselves.