Expect the Mapua University Cardinals to be a formidable team this season.
For the last two years, members of their talented high school team have decided to stay put after leading the Malayan High School Red Robins to the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament.
In Season 94, the best members of previous batches of the Red Robins have been assembled after practicing as part of the Team B during the off-season.
And with a winning tradition to back them up, five former Red Robins are suiting up and are expected to be among those who will lead the Cardinals to greater heights.
Big man Warren Bonifacio and his crew from the Red Robins last year, Jasper Salenga and Eric Jabel, will be around to help the veterans fight it out with the favored teams this season.
And so will Noah Lugo, who was convinced to come back after transferring from Emilio Aguinaldo College. The Cardinals will also have another big man, Dennel Aguirre, a standout from Red Robins three years ago.
Not only is coach Atoy Co confident about their ability to deliver, he also expects the veterans like Exequiel Biteng, Jesper Bautista, Christian Bunag, John Carandang, Arvin Gamboa, Cedric Pelayo, Justine Serrano and Laurenz Victoria to be their role models as well.
Considering the San Beda Red Lions and Lyceum Pirates will dominate the season, the Cardinals will have to take things cautiously.
“We'll just take this one game at a time. We are looking forward to the Final Four,” said Co.
Last year, the Cardinals finished last in the league standings with three wins and 15 losses.
They even lost 11 straight games.
But Season 94 looks promising with many members of the Red Robins inspired to join the Cardinals.
One of their key players, Will Gozum, won't be around as he opted to join the University of the Philippines Maroons, while another talented Red Robins guard, Mike Enriquez, is now with the University of Santo Tomas Tigers.