With Mike Cortez out and James Yap demanding a release, ICTSI faces another dilemma as majority of its players may just not be able to play in today’s game versus Sunkist in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Pasig Sports Complex.
Eight of ICTSI’s players are reportedly going to sit out today’s match as they are mourning the death of former teammate Miguelito "Migs" Gozum, who died Friday after collapsing in an exhibition game in La Salle.
Gozum’s remains lie in state at La Salle’s Main Chapel on Taft Avenue. The three-time Archer was 21.
"Karamihan ng players namin ay puyat dahil um-attend ng lamay so baka kaunti lang ang gamitin ko bukas (today)," said ICTSI coach Franz Pumaren.
With Joseph Yeo, Manny Ramos, Carlo Sharma, Michael Vainio, BJ Manalo, Adonis Sta Maria, Mark Cardona, and Michael Gavino as doubtful starters, Pumaren will have to make do with Dino Aldeguer, Dominic Uy, Fil-Am and former Harlem Globetrotter Robert Johnson, Nernzon Franco and celebrated MBA cagers Reynel Hugnatan and Bruce Dacia.
Controversial collegiate phenom Cortez and sweet-shooting Yap will be of no use for different reasons.
Cortez, rumored to have sold Game 3 of the recent UAAP finals won by Ateneo, is on a leave of absence while Yap, a vital cog in University of the East’s campaign, is seeking a transfer to Sunkist although ICTSI has yet to sign his release papers.
Like the Archers, who dropped their first game against Dazz Dishwashing Liquid Thursday, the Juicers, losers to Cheeseball-Shark, have a problem of their own as they will continue to play without coach Boyzie Zamar.
No reasons were disclosed in connection with Zamar’s absence although there were reports that the UE mentor will be back in a few weeks. Zamar’s assistant, D’Jalma Arnedo, is currently interim coach for the Juicers.
Meanwhile, comebacking Welcoat Paints and Cheeseball-Shark rekindle their old rivalry as the two clash in the main game at 5 p.m. for the solo lead.
Tied with Blu and Dazz for the lead, Welcoat and Shark had fought six championship battles.