Taller, faster, stronger, younger, more determined and most importantly, angrier."
That's how PowerQuest chairman Noel Cariño described the Pasig-Rizal Pirates who are entering the third season of the Metropolitan Basketball Association with six new players, led by the sensational Dorian Peña.
"We've learned our lesson well during the Northern Conference Finals against the Manila Metrostars. I'm really frustrated that we lost that one. But that's an eye-opener because it made us see what really lacked and we were able to plug the holes during the off-season," Cariño added.
Aside from the 6-7 Peña who signed a three year contract deal with the Pirates after his contract with the Negros Slashers expired last December, the other new faces on the team handled by coach Joel Banal are Ryan Gamboa, Jovy Sese, Malay Malabanan, Ramil Cruz and Warren Ybañez.
This year's team captain is Ferdinand Ravena, one of the seven holdovers from last year's squad which fell a win short of making it to the national finals. The rest of the returnees are Jonathan De Guzman, Patrick De Benedicto, Francis Adriano, Gilbert Castillo, Michael Otto and John Dumont.
"Only a foolish coach will guarantee a championship but this year we have no excuses not to win the championship," said Banal as the team was presented to the Board of Directors of PowerQuest last Tuesday night.
The Pirates will begin their campaign on Feb. 16 when they visit the Davao Eagles. From there, they play the Socsargen Marlins before returning to the Pasig Sports Center for the first home game on March 12.
"We'll still be a running team and probably the best defensive team in the league. But I assure you we have improved on all the departments of the game during the off-season and we will be very competitive," said Banal.
Acting as Banal's assistant coaches are Coy Banal and Bobby Marquicias. Leopold "Bong" Tirol is General Manager of the Pasig-Rizal Pirates, Moe Chuylani, Team Manager and Len Gregorio, AVP for PR and Promotions.