THE Quezon Huskers are out to make an impact in its debut season in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which opens its fifth season on Saturday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The Huskers have assembled a mix of young and veteran players in their bid to make it to the playoffs despite little preparation time, with team manager Donn Rico Kapunan, assistant team manager Magnum Membrere, and consultant Patrick Gregorio having formed the team for only a month.
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NCAA MVP Will Gozum lead the young players of the Huskers as he is set to make his professional debut after securing a special guest license from the Games and Amusements Board.
AJ Madrigal, Brix Ramos, and CJ Catapusan, a member of the University of the Philippines squad that won the 2021 UAAP crown, are also part of the squad and are joined by Allan Beltran, Thomas Torres, Ximone Sandagon, Alfrancis Tamsi, Rodel Gravera, Ken Holmqvist, and RJ Minerva.
Former University of Santo Tomas star Jeric Teng and MPBL veteran Mark Pangilinan are also part of the squad to provide maturity and leadership along with playing assistant manager Jaggie Gregorio.
Homegrown stars Topeng Lagrama, Arjay Dongog, Paeng Salonga, and Bryant Placino are also with the team, and joining them are Lucena mayor Mark Alcala, who once played high school basketball with De La Salle-Zobel, and college ball with La Salle’s Team B squad.
“My concern is that the time we spent in forming a solid team was so short,” said Quezon head coach Eric Gonzales during a recent press launch. “But I’m hoping and praying to make it to the playoffs.”
“As for my players, I believe in their ability. I can see that they are serious and very determined to make an impact and represent Quezon Province,” said Gonzales.
Quezon governor Helen Tan looks forward to its maiden participation in the MPBL founded by former Sen. Manny Pacquiao with Kenneth Duremdes as commissioner.
“This is the first time for us to participate in a national league like the MPBL. We’re very thankful to be given the opportunity and we hope that we will make the Quezonians proud. We hope that our participation in the MPBL will give us a chance to be known and recognized, not just in sports through basketball, but also in other aspects beyond competition as well,” said Tan.
The team is also sponsored by JAC Liner, Inc. and Queen Margarette Hotel with Tubong Quezon as official outfitter.
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