JOSE Rizal U seeks the solo lead when it battles fellow NCAA squad St. Benilde even as University of the Philippines finally parades its retooled roster against Mapua Monday in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
The Fighting Maroons, with American coach Joe Ward at the helm, and the Cardinals square off at 5 p.m. after the Bombers-Blazers clash at 3:15 p.m.
Cebu-based University of San Jose-Recoletos also makes its debut against Letran at 1:30 p.m.
But the spotlight will be on the Heavy Bombers as they look to follow up on their 57-55 conquest over Far Eastern U last Saturday. Back after a one year absence, Paolo Pontejos sparkled for the Bombers, staking his claim as JRU’s new leader after Philip Paniamogan used up all his playing years.
There’s also an air of optimism in the UP side as the incoming UAAP Season host fields a mix of hungry veterans and blue-chip rookies.
JR Gallarza and Dave Moralde return for another year of duty, along with Jet Manuel who was unavailable last year. Paolo Romero, who is finally healthy after battling various leg and knee injuries, Mark Juruena, Henry Asilum, Kyles Lao, and Andrew Harris are also in the squad that includes sophomore Diego Dario.
The Fighting Maroons have exciting prospects in Dominic Longa and Jan Jaboneta who were recruited from Ateneo de Cebu.