NCAA: Tagged as contender, ‘hungrier’ Benilde ready to compete

FILE–College of St. Benilde Blazers’ Mark Sangco during the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde had a subpar run in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament but that may all change in the upcoming season. At least, that’s what team captain Mark Sangco thinks.

Sangco likes what he sees from this batch of Blazers heading into the NCAA Season 100.

“I feel like this team is hungrier and wants to win more compared to my last team. They’re all giving their best even in training and in the previous leagues we competed in. They’re so competitive. They don’t take opportunities like this for granted,” said Sangco in Filipino during a press conference at Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

READ: NCAA: Benilde beats Lyceum in battle for third

“Almost all of them [teams] are saying we’re contenders so the pressure’s not going to go away. It’s just there, so it’s on us on how we’ll prepare for the season.”

The Blazers underwent massive changes in the offseason.

For one, Season 98 MVP Will Gozum won’t be around after exhausting all his playing years, leaving a huge void in coach Charles Tiu’s rotation.

Also gone are the backcourt trio of Miggy Corteza, Robi Nayve and Prince Carlos.

As if those weren’t tough enough blows for CSB, Migs Oczon, who still had two years of eligibility left with the Blazers, decided to go pro in the Korean Basketball League.

Their departure, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that the Blazers won’t be putting up a fight in the offseason.

Allen Liwag, who was a revelation for Emilio Aguinaldo College in Season 98, will finally be able to suit up for Benilde after a year of residency.

READ: Migs Oczon leaves Benilde, signs with Ulsan in KBL

San Beda standouts Tony Ynot, Gab Cometa and Justine Sanchez will also be eligible to play for the Blazers in Season 100, further bolstering Tiu’s firepower on offense.

Benilde will also get a huge boost in the sidelines with veteran mentor Rajko Toroman.

“Coach Rajko (Toroman) is such a big help for us,” said Sangco.

“He makes our jobs easier. His system helps all of us. Plus coach Charles, who we all follow because he gives all of us confidence.”

Benilde will open its Season 100 run on Saturday against Mapua, which eliminated them last season in the semifinals.