Quezon Province will not settle for anything less than a title when it competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 7th Season that starts on 8 March.
Huskers team manager Atty. Donn Rico Kapunan said they will leave no stone unturned in winning the national title after falling short last year to powerhouse Pampanga.
To make sure that their inaugural title will be realized, the team owned by Quezon Governor Helen Tan, Quezon Rep. Keith Micah Tan, and San Andres, Quezon Mayor Ralph Lim overhauled its roster and tapped the services of big men Joseph Gabayni and JP Sarao while adding role players Christian Pagaran and Joshua Yerro, and homegrown Emman Tagle to shore up its frontcourt.
But more than that, the possible return of former National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player (MVP) Will Gozum from a knee injury that forced him to miss almost the entire season will be a major boost to the hungry and determined Huskers.
“Of course, there are greater expectations now,” said Kapunan, who led the Huskers to the South Division crown in only their second season last year.
“From being (South) division champion, we must take it to the next level. So we’re now eyeing the national championship.”
Kapunan bared that the 6-foot-6 Gozum, the hardworking former College of Saint Benilde superstar, is “progressing well in his rehab” and will be ready to play in the midway mark of the tournament — or around June or July.
Quezon Province coach Eric Gonzales will also be back to steer the Huskers together with the core of the team that gave them so much success last season.
Returning are top gunners Ljay Gonzales and Judel Fuentes, former MPBL MVP Gab Banal, Jason Opiso and Ximone Sandagon.
Completing the team are big men RJ Minerva, Rodel Gravera and Christian Bunag, Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala, homegrown icon Topeng Lagrama, Alvin Abundo, Alfrancis Tamsi, Diego Dario and Vince Magbuhos.
Kapunan said the entire province is rallying behind the Huskers.
“They want to return the favor to the people of Quezon for their overwhelming support to the Huskers. Almost daily we have engagement, receptions, invitations,” said Kapunan, adding they are also playing tune-up games in preparation for their long climb to the MPBL summit.