Key losses: JM Calma, Arjan Dela Cruz
Key holdovers: Ichie Altamirano, Rommel Calahat, Jessie Sumoda
Season 97 record: 3-6, finished the eliminations at 8th spot
San Sebastian College-Recoletos is ready to move on without former stalwart JM Calma, who is now flaunting his wares in the pro ranks.
That was the case when the Stags decided to join a number of preseason leagues where they performed admirably even without their star big man from last season.
In the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, they emerged as the top seed after the elimination round though they failed to cop the title after falling to Marinerong Pilipino in the semifinals.
With the D-League stint done, San Sebastian turned its focus to the 2022 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, where the wards of head coach Egay Macaraya made it to the quarterfinals round before bowing out of contention after a loss to eventual champion National University.
Although they didn't win in either competition, team captain Ichie Altamirano said they will use the experience they gained as a springboard for the upcoming NCAA Season 98.
"Marami kaming sinalihan na leagues so mas nag-ready kami this season," shared Altamirano.
"Mas naging competitive kami as a team so 'yung mga nag-exit naman na players, may mga pumalit naman na rookies na kaya naman na gawin 'yung mga ginawa nila."
Altamirano was bold to say that their mission this season is no less than the Final Four, and eventually the championship. And he knows the Stags can very much do that.
Last season, San Sebastian proved it can be a force to be reckoned with as Mythical Five member Calma led the Stags to wins against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and José Rizal University.
They also hung tough in their other games, losing by a margin of just 4.17 points, something that points to how competitive they were despite their record.
"Mission namin is to go to the Final Four lalo na nagiging competitive na 'yung team namin, mas nagiging strong 'yung brotherhood namin even sa coaches namin," the 5-foot-11 Altamirano, who's in his last playing year, added.
With Altamirano leading, forward Rommel Calahat, big man Jessie Sumoda, and Ken Villapando are expected to provide a huge lift.
Other Stags holdovers include Ammar Cosari, Alex Desoyo, Tristan Felebrico, and Jacob Shanoda.
—JMB, GMA News
