MANILA—The two Perpetual Help cagers banned last season finally got the go signal to suit up in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament starting next month.
Paul Nuilan and Marlon Gomez, who failed to meet eligibility requirements last year, are now expected to help the Altas turn their campaign around after last year’s woeful 2-14 record.
Perpetual coach Boris Aldeguer said he expects Nuilan and Gomez, both muscular big men, to match up well with the league’s topnotch centers like American Sudan Daniel of reigning NCAA champion San Beda.
“We’re excited to have them in the team,” said Aldeguer. “They’re vital pieces for us because we don’t want to disappoint our school since we’re hosting the league this year.”
He added that he expects Nuilan and Gomez to fit well into their system since both have seen action with the Altas in last year’s preaseason tournaments.
“The school is behind our basketball team this year, and we’re looking at a better season,” said Perpetual CEO Dr. Antonio Tamayo.
Jett Vidal, George Allen and Arnold Danganan are back to lead the Altas, who had their last Finals stint in 2004, when they lost to Philippine Christian University.
“Although we didn’t do well last year, we still fought to the last,” said Aldeguer.