BY GWEN BERGADO
JOSE Rizal University continued to bolster its roster for the future and it got itself a big fish in the deep talent pool of the NCAA juniors basketball by snagging San Sebastian Staglets star Sanlea Penaverde for Season 101.
Penaverde, who will be committing the Heavy Bombers alongside his teammate Harry Herrera, confirmed the news to SPIN.ph as they’re set to traverse a new path in Mandaluyong under the tutelage of first-year head coach Nani Epondulan.
READ: Once an embalmer, Sanlea Penaverde is now the Staglets' lifeline
“Nagkaroon po ako ng opportunity makita nila Coach Nani [Epondulan] sa practice,” the 19-year-old guard said, while detailing similarities between Epondulan and his high school coach in Juan Miguel Martin who’s now part of the Heavy Bombers coaching staff.
“Sobrang swerte ko kasi parehas na parehas ng ugali si Coach [Juan Miguel] Martin and Coach Nani [Epondulan],” he continued.
“Sobrang blessed ako now dalawa sila sa mga magiging guide ko papunta sa pangarap ko,”
Penaverde posted averages of 24.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.8 steals for the Staglets this season, though they finished outside the top four with a 3-6 record in the single-round eliminations.
While he was dry on team success, he had plenty of it individually as he was part of the NCAA Season 100 Mythical and All-Defensive teams respectively.
Herrera, on the other hand, posted averages of 7.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists for Season 100.
After a 4-14 run in Season 100, the revamped Heavy Bombers have plenty of optimism for their future as these Staglets duo will be joined by NCAA champions in ex-Mapua stars Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat.
The pair transferred to JRU early this year, and is currently undergoing their respective red-shirt years for Season 101.
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