FRONTED by a new coach and a fueled by promising prospects straight out of high school, the next flight out for Jose Rizal University seems to be headed towards greater heights.
There's no rush to get there, however, as with school legend Nani Epondulan taking the helm, the Heavy Bombers are slow but sure with their ascent.
As he and his wards sport a 3-5 slate powered by back-to-back wins in the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup, Epondulan kept it real in saying, "Malayo na, pero malayo pa."
This, even after JRU's most recent win came at the expense of one of the most decorated NCAA teams, 23-time champion San Beda.
READ: JRU tames San Beda for biggest win so far in Filoil Preseason
“Very big morale-booster sa amin, especially for the rookies,” said Epondulan.
The Heavy Bombers count nine rookies on their preseason lineup, bannered by NCAA Season 100 Juniors Mythical Team member Sanlea Peñaverde and NBTC All-Star Sean Salvador.
Both have delivered the goods right away for the Kalentong ballers, with Peñaverde averaging 16.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, as Salvador fired 25 points built on seven triples in his very first game - their triumph over the Red Lions.
JR-youth on the march
While a preseason victory vs. San Beda is, in truth, nothing to write home about, it's nonetheless a good sign that they are headed in the right direction with their rebuild.
And who knows, as this young core grows together and when the likes of Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat - who transferred from reigning titlist Mapua - join them, a championship may very well be not at all far from reach.
“Sinasabi ko sa kanila, baka dito tayo mag-champion,” the 19-year-old guard expressed.
JRU has had to endure 53 years - and counting - to get the chance to hoist a trophy once more.
But with an alumnus in charge and potential-laden rookies following him every step of the way, they are putting themselves in position to get that chance.
“It’s too early to say anything, pero with the promising rookies that we have right now, the future of Jose Rizal [University] looks good,” Epondulan ended.
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