John-O regarded as yardstick of power in PBL Challenge Cup

After clinching the first PBL-CBF Dual Meet crown, John-O earned the tag as the team to beat as it has become the gauge of other teams in building up their line-ups for the 2002 PBL Challenge Cup kicking off tomorrow at the Pasig Sports Complex.

That’s because the Sen. John Osmeña-owned squad has the battery of shooters, deep bench and dominating big men that makes it the ideal team.

PBL-CBF Dual Meet MVP Ranidel de Ocampo will try to keep his title as "King of the Boards" against equally talented and upcoming big men as he joins Nizar Kiram and Ricky Calimag at the frontline.

Bong Salvador will stay as the heart and soul of the team as pivots top guns Edrick Ferrer, Archen Cayabyab, Jeff Napa, Mark Macapagal, Al Vergara, Celino Cruz and ex-pro Leo Bat-og in firing the barrage of three-point shots.

Completing the team are Clarence Cole, Bryan Olaguer and Gilbert Neo.

"This gives me a deeper bench, dahil halos wala kang itatapon sa team na ito. Barring any injuries, hopefully, we could duplicate our feat in the PBL-CBF Dual Meet," said head coach Manny Dandan.

LBC-Batangas also hopes to bring its MBA championship caliber to the PBL behind holdovers Alex Compton, Ralph Rivera and Jayson Cuevas together with a bunch of talented new faces led by Ronald Allan Capati, Allan de Castro, Nicole Uy, Alexander Magpayo and Paul Reguerra.

MC Caceres, Ariel de Castro, Mico Roldan and Chico Manabat will provide the experience while completing the team are Harold Sta. Cruz and 6’9 Vincent San Diego.

"We’re not expecting much, but this is a very promising team. Given more time, baka puwede kaming umabot ng semis. We’ll try our best," said LBC-Batangas coach Nash Racela.

Sunkist-Pampanga is yet to finalize its line-up and among those considered for the team are Jhayson Alminario, Arnold Booker, Philip Butel, Jay-R Estrada, Dean Hubalde, Rolly Masbang, Charles Tan and Arjun Cordero.