LA Salle’s championship defense comes at an awkward time in terms of its personnel.
Not only are the Green Archers forced to protect their crown while no longer having the services of Finals MVP Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan, they also have to play the waiting game for a season before the arrival of NCAA hotshot Janti Miller and UST juniors prospect Joaqui Ludovice.
However, the worries of La Salle hopefuls might be quelled shortly, because like last season, Jacob Cortez is answering the call.
With the Green Archers losing both Phillips and Baclaan to separate teams in the MPBL, all eyes are on Cortez and the holdovers if they could hold the fort down for Season 89.
Fortunately for the green-and-white, Cortez is stepping up to the plate—not just as their primary conduit on offense, but as a leader.
“I mean, it's not there yet,” Cortez said after their 64-70 Filoil Preseason Tournament loss to National University. “I know I'm not that vocal, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to lead this team to another championship.”
Who you gonna call?
Admittedly a man of few words, Cortez knew that becoming the leader will call for more than just his ability as a scorer and their de-facto closer.
And while the leadership part isn’t solely on his shoulders with his fellow veterans EJ Gollena, Earl Abadam, Vhoris Marasigan, and JC Macalalag still on board, the matter of his play is still up on the air.
With his backcourt duo in Baclaan out of sight and out of mind for the gameplans of the opposing teams, Cortez will now have the lions share of the defensive coverage, especially in late-game situations where he thrives the most.
But for Cortez, the title hopes of La Salle increases when they produce with the ball out of his hands—even with his superb scoring ability,.
“Probably less reliance, because a lot of the teams, they're gonna scheme against me. We talked about [it] earlier after the game, even though they think I'm the best or most talented player on the court, I still have to move the ball," he said.
“So, just stuff like that. No relying on me, but more on the ball movement from us.”
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