Freego Jeans eyes D-League rebound

MANILA, Philippines - One win doesn’t make a champion team. But after whipping PC Gilmore, 85-52, to open its campaign in the PBA D-League Aspirant’s Cup last Thursday, Freego Jeans expressed confidence of contending not only for a Final Four berth but also for the championship.

”I’m very optimistic we have a pretty good chance this conference,” said Freego coach Leo Austria. “Our new recruits shore up our backcourt and wing spots. Hopefully our new additions will be able to adapt to my system over a short period of time.”

Bannered by the core of Adamson squad and backstopped by three Ateneo players, Freego Jeans is out to improve its quarterfinal finish in the inaugural Foundation Cup with Freego president Nelson Chan, Austria and team manager Joel Yap all upbeat of their chances.

Cohesion, they said, is not so much of a problem since eight of their players are from the Falcons, including Alex Nuyles, Lester Alvarez, Rodney Brondial, Roider Cabrera, Eric Camson, Jerick Canada, Janus Lozada and Lionel Manyara.

Others on the team are Raymond Leonard Austria, Jason Escueta, Chris Sumanilog, Jaralen Tampus, Alwyn Elinon, Jeckters Apinan and John Lopez.

Despite their lopsided win over PC Gilmore, a semifinalist in the Foundation’s Cup, Austria cautioned his wards not to be overconfident and urged them to remain focused on the task at hand.

In fact, with the support they are getting from the Freego management, which also supports San Beda’s campaign in the NCAA and backed the national wushu athletes who won two gold medals in the recent world championships, Austria said they have to dish out their best to carry out the mission.

With all the players ready to deliver, it will not be a surprise if Freego Jeans will make it to the finals this time around.