De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is already laying the groundwork and reloading its roster to prepare for the long run as it looks to end a 23-year title drought in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
The Blazers have been busy recruiting in the offseason as it secured the commitment of rising stars Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa of San Beda University as well as Emilio Aguinaldo College big man Allen Liwag.
The Taft crew also got the commitment of Red Cubs product Nathan Victoria and former Centro Escolar University floor general Jhomel Ancheta.
Immaculada Concepcion College standouts Roger Ondoa and Ian Torres; San Joaquin Delta College's Matthew Oli; Gavilan College's Tahjae Ordonio; Irele Galas from Iloilo; and Jeric Canete from Cagayan de Oro have also committed to play for the Blazers.
"I am extremely grateful to our boosters and managers who have made the dedicated decision to fully invest in our team and program," Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said.
Heading to Season 99, the Blazers will have an almost intact roster with the likes of reigning MVP Will Gozum and other graduating players Miggy Corteza, Prince Carlos, Robi Nayve, Felipe Marasigan, and Chris Flores leading the squad alongside sophomore sniper Migs Oczon.
With the Blazers already gearing up for what's next, Tiu added that having a stacked roster is a welcome challenge for the team.
"It's a challenge we've never encountered before, where there is now an abundance of players vying for the same position. It's a favorable challenge, better than lacking options," he said.
"They will need to compete for their spots, as we also have a surplus of players."
Benilde came close to ending its decades-long wait for a title as it reached the finals round of Season 98 against powerhouse Colegio de San Juan de Letran. However, the Knights displayed their championship poise to cop the title in three games.
It was also in Season 98 that the Blazers entered the NCAA Final Four again after 20 years.
Aside from retooling its roster of players, the Taft-based squad also recently named former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Rajko Toroman to its fold as its consultant.
Tiu said Toroman coming to Benilde will be a big help for the collegiate basketball scene.
The Philippines' first collegiate league will return for its 99th season come late September.
—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
