JD Cagulangan grateful to see UP newcomers stepping up

JD Cagulangan. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Veteran guard JD Cagulangan likes what he’s seeing from University of the Philippines’ young guns so far in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

The Fighting Maroons on Monday drew ample contributions from the likes of Francis “LeBron” Lopez and Sean Alter in a dominant 104-69 victory over Perpetual Help. The victory sent UP to the preseason finals for the first time.

“I’m very happy with what I saw today but this is not enough yet for our season,” said Cagulangan after finishing with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.

“Coach (Goldwin Monteverde) is giving time for the younger players because we really want to win this coming season. Next season, that’s what we want to happen, for them to step up.”

One of the young players, who has been showing out for the Fighting Maroons is Francis “LeBron” Lopez.

Lopez is averaging 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in preseason. He had 10 points and three rebounds in the win over Perpetual Help.

Sean Alter, another newcomer in Diliman, is also making waves in Filoil, posting 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds a game.

Alter finished with nine points and seven rebounds against the Altas.

For Cagulangan, seeing the young guns flourish under Monteverde is something to look forward to, especially with him, Malick Diouf and CJ Cansino leaving UP after Season 86.

“I’m thankful because the kids cooperate with us and hopefully it just continues heading forward,” he said.

UP clashes with La Salle in an all-UAAP Final on Wednesday while the Altas and National University battle for third place.

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