Key losses: Warren Bonifacio, Paolo Hernandez, Toby Agustin, Peter Rosilio
Holdovers: Clint Escamis, JC Recto, Cyrus Cuenco
Key additions: Joaquin Garcia, Aaron Fermin, John Jabonete, Chris Hubilla, Lawrence Mangubat
Result: 2nd (lost to San Beda in finals); 15-3 (end of elims)
Mapua University has been in the men's basketball finals in two of the past three seasons and both ended in heartbreaking results.
In Season 97, the Cardinals fell to Colegio de San Juan de Letran, while in Season 99, they lost to San Beda University in the finals.
Heartbreak is one thing, and ego's another, so the Intramuros-based squad knows exactly what to do upon returning to practice after their recent finals loss.
"Day 1 namin, nung bumalik lahat. In-announce nila na discipline is number one sa team ngayon kasi ang ganda-ganda ng mga piyesa namin last year and kinulang pa rin kami, so ngayon dapat mag-stick kami sa system," team captain Clint Escamis said.
The reigning rookie MVP said this system, which has propelled head coach Randy Alcantara's teams to the finals twice, is something they have applied in preseason leagues and even in the ASEAN University Games where they emerged as champions.
While the system is in place, many old reliables have left the Cardinals' nest. Key cogs Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez played their final game for Mapua last December, while Peter Rosilio chose to take his talent elsewhere.
Coming into Mapua, however, are high school standouts Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, and transferees Aaron Fermin and John Jabonete. Joaquin Garcia is also returning after sitting out last season due to injury.
Escamis, for his part, has high expectations for those newcomers.
"New team, medyo young din kami kasi konti lang din na-retain from last season. May bagong addition to fill in the gap for them," Escamis said. "I expect them to step up kasi alam ko naman mga kakayanan nila. High regards for them this season."
The Mapua captain is also expecting the likes of Cyrus Cuenco to step up.
Back in Season 99, Cuenco posted averages of 9.74 points, 3.89 rebounds, 2.16 assists in 13 games in the elimination round.
"I think si Cyrus Cuenco talaga mag-step up ngayon offensive-wise kasi last year nagfocus siya sa defense. I think he'll help din sa offense this season. 'Di rin mawawala si Recto."
Here's the full lineup of Mapua for NCAA Season 100.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
