On the road to redemption: The Bacoor Blades Season 23 Primer
Just a few days after getting knocked out of Division III, the Bacoor Blades can only recuperate for that amount of time before heading into the new season. Being relegated back to Division IV, they are to once again attempt to climb the ladder back to success.
Roster shakeups
Holdovers: Kelly Paul (c), Mark Louis Hugos (c), Iliya Dimov, Eugenio Genco, Marcos Paulo Petry, Eladio Martin, Laurence Lacambra, Chester Maynard
Additions: Regan Elizaga (r), Vergel Meneses Nufable (r)
Put on Transfers: Tim Puckett, Pedro Horcasitas
The Blades have made significant roster changes this past offseason, drafting two rookies and vacating cap space by putting players through the transfer market. Long-time backup point guard Tim Puckett and veteran swingman Pedro Horcasitas were put on the line as the Blades look to retool and inject some youth to their backcourt. The twin tower combination of Kelly Paul and Eugenio Genco, who emerged to be the team's biggest assets the past two seasons, will be banked on even more as their point production, defense and rebounding will be again be expected from them moving forward. The perimeter threats Iliya Dimov, Eladio Martin and Marcos Paulo Petry will still be throwing bombs from the outside for the Blades, who should look to take advantage of the Paul-Genco revelation and serve as the kick-out options. Mark Louis Hugos will also once again be with the team for the new campaign. The longest-tenured Bacoor Blade will look to bounce back after having dipped in performance the past two seasons. A change of scenery could prove to be the difference.
Two exciting rookies will grace the roster this season, Regan Elizaga and Vergel Meneses Nufable. They are expected to make immediate contributions to the club and provide the energy off the bench for the Bacoor side.
Return to the Blades Game
If there is one thing that defined Bacoor Blades basketball throughout the seasons, it's their own rendition of the Princeton Offense. The team obviously made a drastic change last season to a more post-oriented game and the shift proved to be a shaky proposition.
"It was like trying to teach a dog to purr." said team manager TheDogMan, who saw the struggles of the squad with the setup. "But we stuck with it because even our own style of ball was not working for us. Hopefully this time it will be for the better."
The Bacoor Blades will begin their campaign against BAREFOOT on March 9 at The Bacoor Forum.