After failing to win the PBA D-League Aspirants’ cup title, CafeFrance will now be setting its focus on defending their Foundation Cup crown when the conference kicks off on June 2.
The Bakers surprised everyone when they outlasted a powerhouse Hapee Fresh Fighters squad last year en rout to their first D-League title since the D-League’s inception in 2011.
But then they fell short to a rampaging Phoenix squad in the next conference as they settled for second place in the Aspirants Cup.
The defeat, still fresh on their minds, will be their main motivating factor as they hope to be just the first team since NLEX to defend its title in the D-League.
“We can’t wait to get back on the court,” said Macaraya who’s juggling his time as both the CafeFrance and San Sebastian head coach.
CafeFrance will still be carried by virtually the same players, with most the best and brightest players from Centro Escolar University like Rod Ebondo, Samboy de Leon and Mon Abundo.
They’re backstopped by veterans Carl Bryan Cruz and Paul Zamar.
Meanwile, Blustar’s bid to have Fil-Foreign stars in Matthew Wright and Jason Brickman took a turn for the worse as the two have decided to strut their wares in Europe.
The backcourt tandem of the two were instrumental in leading the Westport Malaysia Dragons to their first ASEAN Basketball League title and coach Ariel Vanguardia initially suggested of bringing the two here to lead his squad.
But now they’ll be focusing on trying to make a splash in Europe astheir teammates try and size up the D-League.