AFTER a failed attempt at making the finals last year, Mapua and Jose Rizal are expected to give it all out for another shot at an elusive championship berth.
The Cardinals have kept an almost intact line up anchored on reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme, CJ Isit and the comebacking duo of Andrew Estrella and Joseph Eriobu, making it a favorite to make it to the Final Four for the second straight year as a legitimate title favorite.
Same with the Bombers, who have kept their old core of Tey Teodoro, Paolo Pontejos, Jordan dela Paz, Gio Lasquety and the frontcourt pair of Abdoul Poutouochi and Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab to remain as another pre-season favorite.
And Mapua coach Atoy Co likes his chances.
“We’ve been playing a lot of tune up games and I’m happy with the way my team is playing,” said Co in Filipino. “I just hope it will translate into another good NCAA season for us because we’re really looking forward to make it back to the Final Four and hopefully the finals.”
Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses, in contrast, was quick to downplay their chances.
“We’re the least visible team in the pre-season, so I’m surprised people consider us a favorite,” said Meneses.
Truly, Jose Rizal played only in the Fr. Martin Cup where it ended up in the quarterfinals this summer.
During their stint, Teodoro and Pontejos have accounted themselves really well.
“It’s just the pre-season. But we will need them (Teodoro and Pontejos) to really step up for us to have a chance,” said Meneses.
After a pair of miserable performances in his first two years, Co finally came through and made it to the Final Four after finishing third in the elimination round with a 12-6 (win-loss) record.
Mapua lost to eventual champion Letran, 90-91.
But making it that far not only ended Mapua’s Final Four miseries, it also kept Co his job for a few more seasons.
Jose Rizal had also done well last year by winding up fourth also with a 12-6 card but was beaten by San Beda in the finals, 68-78.
“We’ll try again this year,” said Meneses.