JOSE Rizal University hasn't been in the Final Four in almost a decade.
But with how the Heavy Bombers won the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup, don't be surprised if the Kalentong crew gets back in the conversation - or even win it all this NCAA Season 102.
Coach Nani Epondulan, however, doesn't want to blind himself with these early returns.
"It's too early to say," Epondulan said.
"We like what we're seeing, pero marami pang dapat iimprove. The preseason is different from the NCAA so we just try to do the right things every day."
READ: JRU rules Filoil for first time after sweeping San Beda
Indeed, it's the attitude one would want to see from JRU as it evolves from a young team last year in Epondulan's first year at the helm to a legitimate title contender this season.
For one, Sean Salvador is still as potent as a scorer entering his sophomore year, while drawing solid contributions from the likes of Stephen Garupil, Ivan Panapanaan, and Allan Laurenaria.
Seemingly levelling up the Heavy Bombers, though, are their transferees in Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, both of whom bring championship experience to the Heavy Bombers after transferring from Mapua.
"Hindi na kami madaling i-scoutin," Epondulan said.
However, Epondulan argued that the Heavy Bombers aren't just a team chock full of talent but rather, a team working cohesively under one goal.
"Credit sa players na nag-buy in sa system and at the same time, credit din sa coaching staff na patuloy na nagtatrabaho at di nagsasawa na mag-correct sa practice even the smallest details and even sa personal life. Hindi sila nagkukulang," he said.
"When we first came sa JRU, we said na to be able to go to another level, kailangan naming baguhin ang sarili namin and by doing that, I can say na nababago na namin."
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