INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? College of St- Benilde is again counting on its wingmen to carry the fight in NCAA season 85.

"Our strength lies on our wingmen. They are athletic and they can match up well with other teams," said Blazers coach Richard del Rosario

Two-guard Jeff Morial and small forward Mark de Guzman are expected to provide offensive firepower for the Blazers, who face expansion team Angeles University Foundation on June 29 at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.

Morial plays for Hapee/Licealiz in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) while De Guzman was a former member of RP Youth Team that played in several international tournaments.

Center Robbie Manalac and forwards Chuck Delanon and Willian Johnston will man the slot while point guard Angelo Montecastro will quarterback for the Blazers, who had a forgettable 4-10 win-loss card in last season?s eliminations.

"Right now, we're trying to make sure that our players are in the right condition physically and mentally," said Del Rosario.

CSB last won the title in 2000, two years after entering as an expansion team, at the expense of San Sebastian.

The Blazers were then bannered by former NCAA MVP Sunday Salvacion (now playing for Ginebra in the PBA) along with Al Magpayo and Jondan Salvador.

Del Rosario, meanwhile, is not about to take Pampanga-based AUF for granted although he admitted he is yet to see the Great Danes play.

?We?ll come up with a good play and hopefully, we won?t be surprised by AUF. They?re no pushovers. Pampanga is a known breeding ground for good basketball players,? added Del Rosario.