Ni Marivic Awitan

BAGAMAT naudlot ang dapat na title -defense nila sa PBA D league dahil sa problema sa kanilang tagapagtaguyod, may pagkakataon pa rin ang San Beda College na magkaroon ng kaukulang pagkakataon na magkaroon ng magandang preparasyon para sa darating na NCAA title defense.

Habang karamihan ng mga NCAA teams ay sumali sa PBA D-League Aspirants Cup na magbubukas sa darating na Enero 18, ang defending back-to-back champions naman ay nakatakdang lumahok sa 2018 Dubai International Basketball Tournament.

Ang nasabing overseas tournament ay idaraos sa Al Ahli Sporting Club sa UAE sa Enero 19-26.

DepEd Sec. Angara na-starstruck kay EJ Obiena: 'We are proud of you!'

“We got this rare invitation to join this prestigious tournament, and represent the country against the top teams in West Asia,” pagbabalita ni Red Lions team manager Jude Roque. “It’s a great opportunity to learn from the tough competition. At the same time, it’s an honor to play in front of our fellow Filipinos in Dubai.”

Makakatunggali ng Red Lions sa nasabing torneo na nasa ika-29 na taon na nito ang mga elite club teams mula sa West Asia kabilang na dito ang AE’s National Team; Egyptian clubs Al Ahly at Zamalek; Lebanese clubs Al-Riyadi, Homentmen, at Al-Hikma; AS Sale ng Morocco; ES Radès ng Tunisia; at Al-Nasr ng Libya.

Binubuo naman ang San Beda nina 23 for 2023 Gilas cadets Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, at Kemark Carino, Donald Tankoua, Arnaud Noah, AC Soberano, Clint Doliguez, Joe Presbitero, Franz Abuda, Calvin Oftana, Jeramer Cabanag, JB Bahio, Benedict Adamos, at Radge Tongco.

Makakasama naman ni head coach Boyet Fernandez sa sidelines sina assistant coach Gino Manuel, liaison officer Joey de Jesus, stats man Benjie Berro, at physical therapist Mike Sunga.

“Our young players will surely gain from this experience. We expect to come back home as a better team,” pahayagf ni Roque.

Noong isang taon, kinatawan ng Mighty Sports ang bansa sa taunang torneo kung saan tumapos silang may isang panalo at limang talo.