After winning 10-team Anta Rajah Cup, the Batangas Tanduay Athletics expects to encounter a tougher time in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball.
That’s because in the second conference, known as Datu Cup, the Athletics’ squad will now be pitting guts and skills with 25 other squads for the top honors when the tournament begins on June. 12.
Coach Mac Cuan said the addition of three more players to their original roster has given them more weapons.
“It’s hard. Ang daming new teams na pumasok. But we are prepared,” said Cuan, who discussed the team’s chances during yesterday’s presentation at the Sheraton Hotel in Malate, Manila.
With him were former Batangas Mayor and team owner Dondon Dimacuha, Rep. Marvey Marino, manager Gerry Tee, co-managers Gerry Ong and Marc Ngo.
They will be reinforced by former collegiate standouts Sandy Cenal, Jayson Ocizo and Bong Galanza.
Along with Lucas Tagarda, the four played in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League and are expected to provide the needed experience for the team in their coming campaign.
They won’t have the prolific Kier “Bong” Quinto, who has committed to play his last season for Letran in the coming National Collegiate Athletic Association.
And Cuan said the players will have to be ready for action, considering that the Datu Cup will be a long season.
The Batanguenos are bracketed in the South Division with the Bacoor Strikers, Basilan Steel, Cebu City Sharks, Davao Occidental Tigers, General Santos Warriors, Imus Banderas, Laguna Heroes, Marikina Shoemakers, Muntinlupa Cagers, Paranaque Patriots, Pasig Ankle Breakers and the Zamboanga Valientes.
