Looking for the right pieces

Atoy Co is hoping to find the right material and the correct combination that would make Mapua competitive when action in Season 89 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors' basketball tournament begins in June this year.

Co, who was officially introduced as the Cardinals’ new coach to the Mapua community, said his first task is to add height and heft to his obviously small line-up. "I'm facing a huge task since the other teams have a bigger line-up compared to us."

"I'm looking for big men, minimum of six-feet-eight, a shooting guard preferably an Allan Caidic or a Bogs Adornado type of a player who has an 80 percent chance of making his shots once he is left open and a smart playmaker who can read the defense pretty well," added Co.

Co, however, said that trying to lure them to the Cardinals' nest is his big obstacle. "Every coach is looking for good players, those whom he thinks fit his system. We can't get blue-chip or elite rookies, chances are other schools are also eyeing these players."

He added that recruitment in the collegiate basketball scene has become competitive especially with Ateneo, La Salle, National University, and even the University of the Philippines aggressively trying to get players to plug in the holes in their respective rosters.

"Almost all of the best high school players already have a commitment of playing for other collegiate teams," said Co, who added that they will target second stringers that could be molded into potential top players.

"We're hoping to get good players that don't have playing time. I'll sweet talk them and tell them that with Mapua you’ll have plenty of playing time. We can't match the basketball program of the big-name schools."

The two-time NCAA's most valuable player added that he’ll meet with the Cardinals' Team A and B to assess the roster since six-foot-four Mike Parala and point guard Jumel Chien have already used up their playing years.

"The remaining players in Team A are 11 while only six with Team B. Most of them play the 2-3 post. So we have to review everything," said Co, who guided Crispa to the 1990 title in the defunct Philippine Amateur Basketball League.