As De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde prepares for its debut in NCAA Season 100, the team is embracing a new look, bolstered by fresh talent and driven by a renewed hunger for victory.
The Blazers will enter the new season without some of their previous stars, including former NCAA MVP Will Gozum, Migs Oczon, Miggy Corteza, and Robi Nayve. However, the team has added several key players with both collegiate and international experience, such as Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez, who previously played with Strong Group Athletics. These players are expected to lead the team along with holdovers like Mark Sangco and Zenric Jarque.
Team captain Mark Sangco expressed confidence in the team's readiness and determination to win. "This is a hungrier team; they want to be champions," Sangco told GMA News Online. "This team is new, more patient, and everyone is willing to give their best."
The Blazers' roster has also been strengthened by new recruits and transfers, including Gabby Cometa, Anton Eusebio (from UP), Roger Ondoa and Ian Torres (from Immaculada Concepcion College), and rookie Gene Carillo from Adamson University. According to Sangco, the depth of the bench will be a significant asset this season. "Our bench is deeper now because even our third group can become the first group," he said. "Coach Charles [Tiu] tells us that whoever plays well will be the ones to get playing time."
Coach Charles Tiu, now in his fourth season with the Blazers, has instilled confidence and a strong system in the team, which Sangco believes has helped bring out the best in the players. "Coach Charles is great at building a player's confidence, which really showcases their talent. Everything Coach Charles instructs us to do, we do. All our coaching staff is really talented," Sangco added.
As he enters his final year of collegiate basketball, Sangco has one clear goal: "I said this during my first year, that before I graduate, I hope to win at least one championship."
The Blazers finished third in NCAA Season 99, defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) 93-83 in the battle for third, with an 11-7 record at the end of the eliminations. They hope to build on that success and aim for the championship this season.
Other players rounding out the Blazers' lineup include Jesse Arciaga, Jhomel Ancheta, Irele Galas, John Morales, Matthew Oli, Edson Serrano, and Paul Turco.
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