By Jerome Lagunzad
Some of the finest collegiate ballers from Manila, Visayas and Mindanao converged at the Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur last night, all determined to showcase their talents for the 8th Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis Invitationals at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium.
Forward Josh Sinclair, who is making his steady recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and veteran Reggie Morido are expected to lead the way for National University, which has also brought in UAAP veterans Tsaddy Rangel, Joshua Flores and Chami Diputado plus former Bullpup Migs Oczon.
The Bulldogs will be one of the three Manila-based school squads which will vie for the top purse of P200,000 in the four-day cage spectacle which is being held as part of the annual celebration for Bayugan’s 11th Charter Day and Bayugan Festival.
“This is also a good time to strengthen our bond since majority of these players are first timers and coming from the junior ranks,” said NU assistant Odick Reyes, who will call the shots in lieu of head coach Jamike Jarin.
“Joining this tournament will help us boost the team’s morale. This will also serve as a barometer on where we are in terms of skills and maturity,” added Reyes, who will be joined by fellow assistants John Ferriols, Kevin De Castro and Shari Moreno.
