By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
(Author’s note: First of all, before I start my in-depth analysis, I would just like to thank the positive feedback from you guys regarding this, much appreciated and thank you for tuning in to the JB Amateur Basketball team run-downs)
Now that we’ve finished assessing XYZ/TOTO-TIA-TEN, team Malditos, OJNA, and Asialink, let’s dig deeper and add two more teams on the list.
Formerly carrying the team name Filinvest, team Pepsi had shared various ups and downs during the JB ABL season I due to their inconsistency on the court.
However, the Pepsi management decided to go all-out and took full advantage of the long off-season heading into the ABL season II.
Aiming to clinch the championship title this season, the Pepsi squad decided to go after elite veteran players who are no strangers to the Ilonggo basketball scene.
Pepsi started the ball rolling by acquiring former Manila Sausage Kings player from the Community Basketball Association, Jim Sencil.
Sencil’s smooth and fundamentally sound scoring is a big addition to team Pepsi, knowing that they already have someone who can get buckets for them anytime they want.
The basketball experience and smarts Sencil brings to the table is expected to make a positive impact on the team.
Team Pepsi did not stop there.
Aside from Sencil, team Pepsi will also bring in former John B. Lacson varsity standouts in Marvin Tongol, Lance Cataluña, and Japhet Sampiano.
These players who already have varsity backgrounds will bring in a sense of professionalism and the needed experience to boost the squad alongside the veteran Sencil.
Tongol, Cataluña, and Sampiano can also provide additional scoring since these dudes have decent perimeter shooting and can flat-out shoot the leather from downtown as well.
Expect a much stronger team Pepsi this time and for me, their JB ABL II roster moves is a “Yay”, knowing that the Pepsi management brought in veteran kids who can help revamp the system alongside Sencil.
Also, the pieces acquired by team Pepsi will be vital going into the second season since the other teams also switched in and brought young bloods in hopes to run the breaks efficiently.
Moving on, let’s talk about team CTG.
Team CTG had a decent outing in the first season, using their balanced style on offense as their edge over the other teams but came up short eventually at the end of their playoff run.
This season, CTG decided to change their roster, and their style of play.
The revamped squad will feature veteran Ilonggo commercial ballers who are no strangers to the basketball scene. In line with it, the team hopes to employ a system of familiarity and veteran style of play between the pieces they assembled.
Leading the list are Jhepoy Balleza, Chris Loyola, Alvin Benecio, and Dionisio Costan.
These guys have been familiar faces in the big leagues, clinching championships and crushing other basketball teams around Iloilo. Confidently, I can say that these guys have all the tools to win the coveted title.
But I think, one major concern for this squad is availability.
If they really want to have a championship run in this JB ABL season, they really have to be present in all the games, considering that the teams participated will bring in tough competition.
Also, a big floating question would be: Can these guys keep up with the young guns of the league? Can they run with Asialink? With team Pepsi? Can they keep up with the pace?
Team CTG for me would be a “Nay” this season but I’m not taking any credit away the players as I know they are one of the top players in the city. But will they be present in all the games? Can they run with the youngsters? How much gas do they have left in the tank?
Despite these two major questions surrounding the team, they are still a formidable squad and for sure, would bring tough competition for all the other teams.
Stay tuned as we still have four more teams to tackle! Watch out!
