EAC Generals bank on young guards to steer NCAA campaign
FILE – EAC Generals in the Filoil EcOoil Preseason Cup. –FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A guard-heavy Emilio Aguinaldo College will look to make a statement in the upcoming NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament.
Other than being the host team for this season, the Generals will also be a team to look out for due to their small ball lineup.
“Our point guards, I believe, still lack experience. I don’t know, I think we are the only team where all our rookies are point guards so hopefully they develop,” EAC head coach Oliver Bunyi revealed after their last preseason game against the Mapua Cardinals.
After losing key players CJ Cadua and Marwin Taywan, the Generals acquired Joshua Tolentino, Mac Balowa and Ralph Bajon—all of whom are guards.
EAC, as a team, averaged 13.7 assists per game last season with 11 guards in their rotation.
Point guard Ralph Robin, the team’s leading scorer in Season 97 with 14.1 points per game, will be backed by fellow playmaker Kriss Gurtiza in the backcourt.
The Generals, however, will have to fare with an injured Nico Quinal, a player who Bunyi referred to as the team’s supposed veteran.
“Quinal is still injured, I don’t know if he will still make it. He is supposed to be our veteran even as a sophomore,” the head tactician said.
The second year player is listed in the team’s reserve.
EAC will open Season 98 in a clash against the Arellano Chiefs on Saturday, 3 p.m. at Araneta Coliseum.
