The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
NAASCU champion St. Clare College of Caloocan begins a new chapter in its storied basketball program as it takes part in the first Gov. Luigi Villafuerte Cup basketball championship at the La Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur starting March 31.
The Saints, who made history by winning seven straight NAASCU championships from 2016 to 2024, will field an entirely new team as part of their preparations for the coming 2025 NAASCU season later this year.
The nucleus of last year’s champion team, led by 2024 Finals MVP Ahron Estacio and Senegalese center Babacar Ndong, will not be joining the team
But NAASCU president and St. Clare Vice President for Administration Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem and coach Jino Manansala assured fans and supporters that the team, now led by last year’s Rookie of the Year JB Lim, remains competitive.
A former UST Tiger Cub, Lim stepped up in a big way as he finished with seven points, six assists, and five rebounds in St. Clare’s 62-54 victory over Our Lady of Fatima University in the NAASCU finals last year.
The other holdovers are Klint Manzano, Aljohn Loyola, Leenard Desabelle and Lex Gazzingan.
Assisting Manansala on the bench is his father, PBA legend Jimmy Manansala.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta gets a chance to test its mettle before NCAA Season 101 when it battles three other teams.
Now handled by veteran coach Olsen Racela, the Altas are looking to make a difference in the week-long competition that will also feature the Kuala Lumpur Hornbills of Malaysia, NAASCU champion St. Clare College and host Camarines Sur Express.
The 54-year-old Racela is also an assistant coach for Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Leading the charge for the Las Piñas-based team are Mark Gojo Cruz, Jearico Nunez, Gelo Gelsano and JP Boral and transferees Kenji Duremdes, Kylle Magdangal and Patrick Sleat.
Duremdes, son of PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes, and Magdangal played for the UST Tigers, while Sleat saw action for the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP.
The other members of the team are Jon Abis, Eman Pizarro, JM Tulabut, Allen Maglupay, Josh Alcantara, Axl John Manuel, LA Cansanillo and Kevin Guibao.
Former FE-Diliman coach Allan Albano will be the assistant coach.
Last year, Perpetual Help finished with a 7-11 win-loss record in a tie for eighth place with Arellano University.
In 2023, the Altas wound up fifth.
The last time the Altas reached the semis of the NCAA was in 2021 when they lost to Letran.
The Gov. Villafuerte Cup is organized by the Armstrong Philippines, headed by Managing Director Joven Ace Castillo, events specialist Maria Theresa Magno and tournament director Norman Gomez.
The complete schedule:
March 31 — University of Perpetual Help vs. St.Clare College; KL Hornbills vs. Cam Sur Express.
April 1 — KL Hornbills vs. Perpetual Help; St. Clare College vs.Cam Sur Express.
April 2 — KL Hornbills vs. St. Clare College; Perpetual Help vs. CamSur Express.
April 3 — Crossover semis: No. 1 vs.No. 4; No. 2 vs. No. 3.
April 4 — Battle for third place; Championship game.