WHILE his baptism of fire in the country’s oldest collegiate league did not result in a Final Four stint for Emilio Aguinaldo College, coach Jerson Cabiltes is convinced everything would be different this time in the 100th NCAA basketball tournament.
“Right now, wala pa akong MPBL team after I resigned from Nueva Ecija,” Cabiltes told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday, referring to his decision to part ways with the Rice Vanguards late last month and focus on his job with EAC.
“We practice six times a week, join some leagues like PinoyLiga for our preparation next season,” he added.
The San Marcelino-based crew wound up with a 9-9 mark for seventh in the 10-team field in the last cage wars in Cabiltes’ first season calling the shots for the team.
The Generals have plenty of reasons to look forward to next season in their bid to reach the semifinals for the first time since they joined the league in 2009.
Ace guard Harvey Pagsanjan, who used to see action for University of the East in the UAAP, moved to EAC last year and is set to suit up as a one-and-done player for the team.
Veteran King Gurtiza and holdovers Kyle Ochavo, Joshua Tolentino, Nicole Quinal, and Art Cosa are also likely to return.
Aside from Pagsanjan, EAC also boasts prized recruits Axel Doromal, AP Manlapaz, and Aldeo Lucero.
Cabiltes and his wards are out to prove they have what it takes.
“We will work hard to make it to the Final Four this year,” he said. “I’m optimistic we can make it.”
Palayan City, Nueva Ecija businessman-sportsman Bong Cuevas served as the main backer of the Generals but now without his support, EAC is more determined than ever.