JRU's next flight out is filling up with talent, as former Mapua standout Sean Salvador has decided to pursue his collegiate career with the Heavy Bombers.
The 6-foot guard averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in the Red Robins' sixth-place finish in the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball tournament before ranking 15th in the NBTC's annual list of the top 24 under-19 players in the Philippines.
Salvador also played in the NBTC All-Star Game for winning Team Heart ahead of his commitment to a JRU side hoping to improve upon a 4-14 campaign a year ago. The last time the Kalentong-based squad advanced to the Final Four was back in 2017, when Vergel Meneses was still calling the shots.
JRU's new era, engineered by Mapua
Now, the Heavy Bombers turn to alumnus Nani Epondulan as head coach - and he was the first and foremost reason for the 19-year-old guard's decision.
READ: Hubilla, Mangubat follow coach Nani out of Mapua, into JRU
Just like transferees Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, Epondulan proved to be instrumental in Salvador's development when he was still coaching under Randy Alcantara in Mapua.
Salvador and fellow rookie talent Sanlea Penaverde are expected to officially debut for JRU in its matchup with San Sebastian in the 2025 Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Monday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
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