With the return of three key players, Jose Rizal University is slowly regaining its chemistry and identity following a tough Season 97 that saw stars Ry Dela Rosa, Agem Miranda, and John Amores miss the campaign.
The 24-year-old Dela Rosa sat out the previous season following an ACL injury last year while Miranda and Amores were also not around as the Heavy Bombers finished Season 97 with a 1-8 slate.
This season, though, the three cogs made their comebacks and their collective impact has definitely been felt as JRU barged into the win column of the ongoing Season 98 after a 97-74 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday.
Miranda dropped 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals while Amores had 11 markers and team captain Dela Rosa chipped in three. In their previous loss to Letran, the three also combined for 51 points as they bowed to the Knights, 101-97.
"Siguro dahil din sa return nung mga starters ko, ayun 'yung malaking factor talaga which gave me a lot of luxury," said head coach Louie Gonzales.
"Gano'n naman talaga kasi 'yung direction ng JRU basketball eh, it's all about us sharing that basketball, it's all about player movement, it's all about ball movement. If you noticed, fast-paced 'yung laro eh."
JL Delos Santos, who waxed hot for 17 points against the Generals, echoed Gonzales, saying the return of the three ballers provided the spark that they needed.
"Siguro naging malaking tulong 'yung pagdating ng mga nawala sa amin nung Season 97 kasi 'yung Season 97 namin parang naging rebuilding kami noon eh. Nawala si Agem, si Dela Rosa, si Amores," Delos Santos said.
"Naging malaking factor sila nung dumating sa amin ngayong Season 98. Parang bumalik agad 'yung chemistry namin as a team nung Season 95."
—JMB, GMA News
