Key losses: Evan Agbong, Erol Bongay, Darius Estrella
Key holdovers: Jason Celis, JL Delos Santos, Marwin Dionisio
Season 97 record: 1-8, finished last in elimination
José Rizal University is opening a new chapter in the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament with two things up its sleeve: a retooled 15-man roster and the determination to eclipse the team's near-winless campaign in the previous edition.
JRU finished dead last in Season 97 just some months ago, absorbing eight losses while its lone win came when it pulled off a 74-68 stunner over the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
This upcoming Season 98, though, the Heavy Bombers want nothing but to be out of the cellar.
For the brand new season, JRU is parading a totally rejigged lineup that saw 10 players from its previous roster bid goodbye.
Erol Bongay, who last season posted averages of 7.56 points, 3.67 rebounds, and 1.0 assist, will no longer be with the team while Evan Agbong and Darius Estrella are moving on as well.
Despite the exits of these key players, JRU will still go all out with comebacking guard and team captain Ry Dela Rosa returning from an injury while holdovers Jason Celis and JL Delos Santos are expected to be the leaders on the court.
Celis and Delos Santos were the top two scorers for JRU last season, averaging a combined 24.78 points, 6.66 rebounds, and 5 assists while the Dela Rosa led the squad in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup with 11.57 markers, 1.14 boards, and 0.43 dimes.
Joining them are other holdovers RJ Arenal, Marwin Dionisio, and CJ Gonzales while completing the 15-man lineup are Jan Marc Abaoag, John Amores, CJ Gonzales, Joshua Guiab, Mark Joel Jason, Jonathan Medina, Agem Miranda, William Sy, and Pauloh Villarin.
—JMB, GMA News
