Mapua University will not be left behind as it joins a tournament in Germany as part of its buildup for its title defense in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.

Cardinals star Clint Escamis said the competition would help them in building their chemistry and forging their camaraderie as they march into Season 101 of the country’s oldest collegiate league.

Escamis, who emerged as Player of the Year during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards, will be back for another tour of duty to help the Cardinals win their first ever back-to-back titles since ruling the league in 1990 and 1991.

“We have a tournament in Germany. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a good exposure for the team, especially for our core,” Escamis, one of the country’s most exciting collegiate stars, said.

“It will go on from 14 to 26 July.”

An overseas camp will actually do good for the Cardinals. In fact, they also set up a similar camp in Japan last year that resulted in their first crown after a 33-year drought.

Other schools such as University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University have also set up training camps in Serbia and Spain, respectively, to further strengthen their respective squads.

Despite the departure of Jeco Bancale, John Jabonete, Lawrence Mangubat, Jahmir Eligado, and Season 100 Rookie of the Year Chris Hubilla, Escamis is confident the incoming players will help the Cardinals with their back-to-back title bid.

Joining Mapua in Season 101 are Drex Delos Reyes, Joe Gulapa and Cyril Gonzales, who won a University Athletic Association of the Philippines title with University of the Philippines.

“We had those problems (of players leaving) before, we weren’t so worried because we have a lot of capable guys to fill those spots,” Escamis said.

“I think it’s a big factor that they’re here. I think they can fill those roles and even over-exceed.”