Cebu Niños beef up roster with acquisition of Cruz and Mondragon

CEBU, Philippines - Making sure that no stone will be left unturned in their title retention bid, the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu Niños have recruited big men Nat Cruz and Hafer Mondragon to further beef up their offensive arsenal preparatory for the 2010 Liga Pilipinas season, which is set to kick off on February 3 at a still undetermined venue.

With an average ceiling of 6-foot-5, Cruz and Mondragon will surely add breadth and provide a new dimension to the already formidable M. Lhuillier roster.

They will pick up the slack left by John Malinao and JR Escobal, who were recently released by the M. Lhuillier management as part of its minor shake-up for the forthcoming Conference 4 of the Community-based cage league sponsored by SMART Communications and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“They’re both a welcome addition to the M. Lhuillier family. With their heft and height, they will surely give our team a major boost as we look forward to defending our title,” said M. Lhuillier’s legendary coach Raul “Yayoy” D. Alcoseba.

Cruz formerly played for the Ilocos Sur Bravehearts, while Mondragon previously suited up with the Quezon Red Oilers, thus, reuniting him with Mark Magsumbol under the Cebu Niños jersey.

“I’m sure they’re a big help in our campaign in the Liga Pilipinas this seaon,” said Alcoseba.

The Cebu Niños made history in the two-year old league by winning the national championship via an incredible 21-game sweep during the Liga Conference 3. It also marked for the first time in M. Lhuillier franchise that it won the overall crown of a major tournament undefeated.

Flashy guard Woodrow Enriquez went on to snatch the regular season MVP award, while prolific outside gunner Stephen Padilla romped off with the Finals MVP trophy for his stellar performance during the five-team Super Leg where the Niños thrashed their opponents by an average of 25 points.

“I know we’re a marked team this year but we’re ready for the challenge as we have always been,” said Alcoseba. – EBV   (FREEMAN NEWS)