Games Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
2 p.m. — San Beda vs Arellano University
4 p.m. — San Sebastian vs Mapua
Newbie coaches Chico Manabat of Arellano University and John Kallos of San Sebastian College-Recoletos will try to prove their worth as they debut today against powerhouse teams San Beda University and Mapua University, respectively, in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Mr. Manabat, who succeeded Cholo Martin, will handle a team that will have nine rookies when they clash with the Lions at 2 p.m. while Mr. Kallos, who took over from Egay Macaraya, tackle the fancied Cardinals at 4 p.m.
“We’re a young team,” said Mr. Manabat, who has finally gotten a big break after being an assistant to Jeff Napa for a long time.
Mr. Manabat will break in Kyle Anama, Yuan Camay, John Lorenz Capulong, Dominic Dayrit, Joshua Dela Cruz, Ernest Geronimo, Bryan Rosalin, Felix Villarente, and Ralph Yanes after losing Axel Doromal, Shane Menina, Cade Flores and Travis Mantua from a season back.
Staying were Danielle Mallari, Joshua Abastillas, Lars Sunga, Jade Talampas, Mc Jeadan Ongotan, and Troy Valencia.
For Mr. Kallos, he reaped the seeds that Mr. Macaraya planted as he will have at his disposal battle-tested veterans in Rafael Are, Romel Calahat, Alex Desoyo, Jessie Sumoda, James Una and Cris Jacob Shanoda.
The two will be put to acid tests though as they battle a Mapua and a San Beda team out to redeem themselves for underperforming a year ago.
The Cardinals, runners up two seasons back, ran into trouble early and never got their bearings back and finished seventh while the Lions had their worst effort in the past three decades after ending up at No. 4.
“We’re eager to bounce back this year,” said Mapua mentor Randy Alcantara. — Joey Villar
