Press Conference and Introduction of Season 23 U21 squad "Da Misfits"
With camera lights flashing Pilipinas U21 manager Lolo Smithz stood in the middle of the court of SM MOA Arena to introduce this seasons U21 players.
"I would first like to thank all trainers in the Philippines for training young superstars in the hope that they can make it to the U21 squad. Many were scouted but few are chosen. Sad reality is there are only a limited number of spots in the U21 team. This seasons crop is interesting and challenging. Some of the most unusual set of skills in many seasons of the U21 teams of past. 16 potential U21 players have been chosen. Some are guaranteed a spot some aren't. There is still 3 weeks to go till the start of the World Cup so there still will be potential call ups and changes in the lineup."
"So I would like to present this seasons Pilipinas U21 sqaud, this group of ragtag players who I've nicknamed "The Misfits"".
Team Captain: Marc "Jamby" Madrigal from Gwapsak. No he isn't gay but a fan of Ex Sen Madrigal. The only 20 yo player to make the U21 squad last season and currently the highest salaried 21 yo pinoy player, he has earned the right to lead this ragtag group of players in the World Cup. Showed much potential last season leading the Pilipinas U21 team in scoring and rebounding in some games played.
Vice Team Captain: Piao "Masungit" Dakun from Manila Kingpin. Like his trainer always has this very grim and serious faced look. Plays point guard highly competitive and does not back down from tough opponents. Scored 40 points once in his young career.
Head Waterboy Valentino Cupido "Chicks Killer" Denaque from Owone Tandem. Favorite past time is clubbing and looking for a one night stand but in the hard court opponents are wary of this triple double monster down low. One of the most prized players of his batch with a transfer price of 1.3 mil as a rookie already has 3 triples doubles in his career with averages of 10.4 points 6.4 assists and 6.8 rebounds.
Assistant Head Waterboy Ernest "Mohawk" Pacquing from Pro Tambays. Has the lowest salary in the U21 squad but his salary is deceiving. He can score with the best of them and scored 45 points once in a PPL league game.
Team Mascot Justin "The Bull" Margarico from QC Bulls. Like the name of his team, Margarico likes to bulldoze his way to the hoop. Opponents better get out of his way or risk permanent disability! Scored 45 points once in his young career.
Benigno "Chopsticks" Besa from Janson. Plies his trade in league 3.8 in China. Dependable banger down low who once grabbed 25 rebounds in a game.
Pedrito "The Bouncer" Tenoso from Xerex. Another quality player from known bigman trainer Xerex, This 7'0" behemoth favorite past time is embarrassing opposing players by swatting the ball for those who dare to try to shot in the shaded lane. Don't ay we didn't warn you.
Vicente "Tsinoy No. 1" Yap from Manila Death Note. One of the three Tsinoys in this years U21 squad, this point guard vows to wow the crowds with his playmaking abilities and once made 14 assists in a game.
Raymundo "Tsinoy No. 2" Tan from Tanggurak. Another Tsinoy who plays the PF spot. Highest scoring game is 30 points and pulled down 22 rebounds once.
Raffy "Tsinoy No. 3" Yee from Theory of Increased Risk. 3rd Tsinoy on the u21 team this season. Doesn't get much playing time in the league averages only 18 minutes per game but vows to show his manager how good he is in the world stage.
Luke "Skywalker" Daypuyat from Slam Dunkers. Plies his trade in league 3.15 in Poland. Vows to shoot the lights out in the World Cup.
Gerry "Upaw" Pacanan from Jordanz. Was destined to be a U21 player the moment he was drafted 3 seasons ago by his manager. Will get plenty of playing time for sure in the World Cup.
To be continued......