MANILA, Philippines--Over the summer, coach Ariel Vanguardia set a clear direction for the Jose Rizal Bombers.

"We want to achieve what we didn't accomplish last year and that is to get the twice-to-beat advantage (in the semifinals)," said Vanguardia.

And Vanguardia knows very well how the Bombers--who are still powered by top trio John Wilson, Marvin Hayes and Marc Cagoco--can tread the path to the Final Four.

"Our main concern is consistency," said Vanguardia. "We had losses early on in the first round last year. If we avoided that, we could have gotten the twice-to-beat advantage. From the start, we have to be consistent."

A surprise run late in the elimination round last seaon propelled the Bombers to third place before the Letran Knights ended their bid in the Final Four.

"I think we've matured," noted Vanguardia. "Hopefully, our maturity will help us get to the next level."

Also returning for the Bombers are veterans JR Sena, Maui Pradas, Raycon Kabigting and John Montemayor.

But Vanguardia is clearly excited about their five freshmen led by Nchoto John Njei, a 6-foot-1 swingman from Cameroon, and Filipino-American guard Nathan Matute.

"Njei is more of a defensive player, he'll help us a lot on hustle," said Vanguardia. "He's very aggressive. He just tried out in the team. Nathan is also just a walk-in."

Other promising finds are Jecster Apinan, former Light Bomber Derico Lopez and Alex Almario of Bulacan State U.

"Our goal is to be in the top two and take it from there," said Vanguardia.