Two former members of the Mapua Cardinals will reinforce the San Juan Knights-Go For Gold squad in the coming 2019 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup.
Knights’ coach Randy Alcantara said his familiarity with the games of big man Jessie Saitanan and forward Andrew Estrella will be put to good use when they finally see action for the Knights starting in their June 14 game.
“Kilala ko na iyong dalawa. Lalaro at lalaban sila,” said Alcantara as the 2019 MPBL Datu Cup champions brace for an opening game against the Bacoor Strikers.
The 5’11” Estrella and the 6’5” Saitanan were acquired from the Quezon City Capitals.
And their presence will help give the Knights a strong inside game.
“Malaki ang maitutulong nila sa loob,” added Alcantara, during a team presentation held yesterday at the Cafe Ysabel in San Juan, with team owners Jeremy Go and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, along with team governor Chris Conwi and manager Jun Usman.
Alcantara said teamwork and good chemistry will help the squad go far in the tournament.
And they will be banking on the games of Datu Cup finals MVP Michael Ayon, along with those of Larry Rodriguez, John Wilson and Mac Cardona.
They are also counting on Jhonard Clarito, Carlos Isit, Cedric Pelayo, Orlan Wamar and Jeff Tajonera.
Regulars like Joseph Ubalde, Joseph Marquez, Art Aquino, Lester Reyes, Enzo Subido and Mike Salvado will make up the rest of the Knights.
The Knights are also set to meet Season 1 champion Batangas City in an out-of-town sortie in Dubai this September.
There will be 30 teams in the Lakan Cup.
The eight qualifiers in the playoff in the north and south divisions will vie for seats in the finals.
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