WITH a steadfast basketball system and firm coaches, Mapúa Institute of Technology is entering its 92nd National Collegiate Athletics Association junior and senior division stints on a good note.
Despite the exit of most of their key players after they have finished their studies at the institute, the Mapúa Cardinals have high hopes for the upcoming NCAA basketball tourney to open on June 25 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Intramuros squad still has Allwell Oraeme, who turned the tables for Mapúa last season, as he provided a strong interior presence with his rebounds and blocked shots.
Oraeme previously copped both the Most Valuable Player and Top Rookie awards in a rare feat and will serve as one of the Cardinals’ frontliners.
Head coach Atoy Co considers the 6’8” Nigerian import as one of the team’s major strengths.
Co is also confident with Mapúa’s basketball system, which the coaching staff has been adamantly implementing, saying that the team has a pretty good defensive scheme.
“In college teams, you do not just play basketball. There has to be a system,” said Co. “And I think that if we embrace this system wholeheartedly, we have more chances of winning games.”
The Cardinals’ new team captain CJ Isit further noted that the coaches have come up with a great training regimen, pushing them to work harder especially in the areas where they need to improve.