Stags a merry mix of veterans, rookies

WITH returning multi-titled coach Arturo Valenzona back in the fold and their last year’s core still intact, the Stags of San Sebastian College have every reason to be hopeful that they can stay in contention for the 87th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball crown.

But Valenzona said his biggest challenge going into the tournament, which kicks off at the Araneta Coliseum on July 2, is how to get the Stags back in battle shape and into one cohesive unit with only days to go before they face the opposition.

“First and foremost in getting this team ready is basic basketball and stamina. Hindi pa naku-kumpleto ang team dahil sa games nila sa D-League. My problem is how to mold the boys into one solid team, and two weeks before the season starts may not be enough to do this,” said Valenzona, who replaced Ato Agustin.

The Stags, who finished with a respectable 5-2 record in the recent Filoil-Flying V tournament, have retained their core of six mainstays in 6’4” Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Anthony del Rio, Jonathan Semira and Jovet de la Cruz.

Aside from the veterans, the Stags will be reinforced by seven rookies, namely Michael Miranda, a transferee from Jose Rizal University, ex-damson cager AJ Vitug, former San Sebastian junior star Mark Magno, former Team B player Lester de la Cruz, Lyle Antipuesto from San Sebastian-Cavite, Krusyb Ferrer from Nueva Ecija and Bobby Balacunag.

Gilbert Bulawan, Raymond Maconocido, Leo Najorda, and Pamboy Raymundo, who were part of the Stags’ team that won the crown two years ago, have all graduated.

Valenzona, who will be assisted by his son Raymond, remains confident that the Stags still have what it takes to make it back to the finals.

“Kung mai-mold ko ang team na ito, na mag-bonding ang mga veterans at ang mga bago, wala akong rason na nakikita na hindi kami makapasok sa finals,” added Valenzona.

Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Today