Toyota Otis has acquired several big name players to boost its title bid in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup set to fire off Nov. 8 at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.
The Sparks picked up La Salle hotshot James Mangahas and brothers PJ and James Walsham to beef up the team’s already formidable roster including JV Casio, Big James Sena and Bryan Faundo.
“I think we have a good chance this time because we have an intact lineup with several rising players,” said Toyota team manager Gil Angeles.
Coach Ariel Vanguardia, who steered Jose Rizal to a surprise runner-up finish in this year’s NCAA finals, is optimistic too of their chances this conference.
“We have already plugged the holes so this time we’ll go for the championship,” he said. “We’re tired of being underdogs, I think we have the tools now to go all the way.”
Team owner Rey Oben said they’ve got a good balance of solid starters and dependable reserves.
RJ Jazul, Patrick Cabahug, John Wilson, Jonathan Aldave, Erick Rodriguez, Floyd Dedicatoria and Marvin Hayes complete the roster.
“We’re deeper now,” said Oben.
The hunger factor could also spell the difference. Curiously, Vanguardia has seven players from La Salle and Jose Rizal, runners-up in the recent UAAP and NCAA seasons.
“After losing in the finals of UAAP and NCAA, I’m sure my players from La Salle and JRU will do something to redeem themselves,” said Vanguardia, who picks five-time champion Harbour Centre and Burger King as the biggest threats to their title bid.