Article by: Albert L. Dela Cruz Jr., Alexandra Isabelle G. Delavin, and Michaella Louise A. Llopis
Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Ma. Alyssa Therese S. Manalang
After a promising finish last season as the 1st runner-up, the Mapúa Cardinals return to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 hungrier than ever to bring the trophy back home to Intramuros and finally end their 33-year championship drought.
As they near the start of their championship campaign slated for September 7, The New Builder checked in with the Cardinal Top Guns about the home squad’s game plans this upcoming centennial season.
Cardinal’s Nest
This NCAA 100, the home team is spearheaded by newly crowned King Cardinal Clint Escamis, together with Co-Captain Joaquin Garcia.
With the Mapúa University (MU) and the NCAA’s centennial celebrations coinciding this year, Escamis shared that the team sees the coincidence as a sign of fated good fortunes. However, the captain emphasized that the Cardinals aren’t just pure hopes and dreams – they are also about drive and commitment. “’Di lang naman kami umaasa sa fate, we [also] need to put in the hard work and dedication,” Escamis shared.
As the season opens, there is no doubt that the team also experienced challenges that they overcame during the preparation period. With the departure of Cardinal veterans Warren Bonifacio, Paolo Hernandez, and Jopet Soriano, the Mapúa jerseys were forced to make major adjustments in their roster to cope with the spots left by greatness. Garcia shared there are only seven veterans in their lineup, while the rest are occupied by rookies. To succeed in this centennial season, the Cardinal Rookies must take flight alongside their seasoned seniors.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Chris Hubilla has had his name circulating around sports news and numerous established leagues since his Senior High School years after making waves in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Tournament. Witnessing Hubilla’s performance on court, Escamis shared his sentiments about the rookie, “malaking bagay siya, sobrang hustle niya, and I see na walang bukas siya [kung] maglaro.”
Adding to the roster was Lawrence Mangubat who committed to his beloved red and gold as he joins the Cardinal initiative after representing the Mapúa Red Robins during his graduating year last season. Looking back on NCAA 99, the former Point Guard averaged 17.82 points and 6.0 rebounds, 1.82 assists, and 1.18 steals.
The Cardinal Captains have all their love and faith for their rookies on the path for gold, “malaki tiwala namin sa kanila na mapupunan nila kasi masisipag naman [mga] ‘yun, and nakikita ko naman ‘yung extra work nila.” Captain Escamis shared. Co-captain Garcia holds the same perspective stating, “’Yung mga rookies naman this season is talagang maasahan sila in every aspect especially on defense.”
Preparing for takeoff
As Escamis takes on the new role as a captain, he shared that he also sought guidance from his coaches and former King Cardinal Warren Bonifacio in leading the team, allowing him to grow more and step up for the job that is linked with crucial responsibilities.
As for their strategies and preparations for the historic season, the red and gold team emphasized that it is putting more focus on the defense, a trusted tactic when facing challenges in offense – as it has been in the past. Indicating that it’s the backbone of the team together with teamwork, the squad is exerting maximum effort to be more disciplined both on and off the court than ever before.
With the effective training, guidance, and discipline instilled by Head Coach Randy Alcantara and Assistant Coach Yong Garcia, the Cardinals are physically prepared to take on the season. Recognizing the importance of their mental well-being, the home team also emphasized the need to trust and believe in each other to execute their game plans successfully.
Despite the immense pressure imposed on the team, Cardinal sharpshooter Garcia puts his whole trust in his teammates and the technical approaches of their coaches. “Yun lang lagi baon namin sa game - puso and sipag,” Garcia shared as he acknowledged the doubled efforts made by the team to improve their offensive and defensive competencies.
Fast-paced plays are also something that can be expected from the red and yellow jerseys, blitzing their opponents in every play. However, the home team plans to take it one game at a time but will remain steadfast until the sweet championship is obtained.
Aligned with the centennial years, the Intramuros-based squad will give it their all from the beginning up to the end of this season, As the King Cardinal puts it, the red and gold squad will play with the mentality of “Nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
As MU celebrates 100 years of excellence, the Cardinals are driven to write legacies, further enriching the historic pages of the red and gold. The lessons they acquired from the last season have only made them much stronger.
Gearing up for the season, Escamis expressed his gratitude for the support of the Mapúan community. “Sobrang grateful kami especially last year kung gaano nabuo ‘yung suporta ng buong Mapúa community.”
Likewise, Co-Captain Garcia assures that the team will be as driven if not more: “In return po, all out po kami lagi. We will give our 100% every game and every possession.”
With the Cardinals set to open their campaign this upcoming September 7, the red and gold squad will need more than the flapping of their wings, but all the support of the Cardinal flock as they aim to blow away the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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