HAVING a complete team that will go into battle is foremost among the concerns of Jose Rizal University coach Louie Gonzalez as the NCAA eyes to launch its 97th season this month.
“We’re okay. I am happy for my players that they were able to see, train and compete together again,” Gonzalez told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday.
“Our goal right now is to make sure everyone is available when the season starts and on efficiency on training approach and consideration with all training and competition protocols,” he added.
The Heavy Bombers are toughening up for the coming war in a bubble, like the rest of the field.
The new season will have four sports, two actual and two virtual, to be hosted by College of St. Benilde.
The country’s oldest collegiate league pushed through last season with virtual and skills events, with the basketball and volleyball tournaments getting canceled.
Taekwondo and chess were both held online, while alumni from all 10 member-schools participated in All-Star Skills competitions for both basketball and volleyball.
JRU wound up with a 5-13 card in the last NCAA cage wars in 2019.
Wingman Agem Miranda, forwards Marwin Dionisio, John Amores, guard Ry Dela Rosa, and Darius Estrella are expected to lead the Bombers’ charge along with forward EJ Agbong and playmaker Jason Celis, both of them former Knights, and another new addition in forward Paolo Quiminales from Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology.
The Shaw Boulevard-based five last advanced to the Final Four in 2017 under former tactician and pro league great Vergel Meneses.
JRU has not won a title since 1972 behind PBA great Philip Cezar.
