Size, strength and talent. Name it, NEMCO has it all this year.
Blessed of winning its first crown last year, the Warriors remain hungry and that should serve as a motivating factor for them to bounce back strong this season.
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And the Surigao-based cagers have shown their title aspirations by acquiring new players that would help shore up their bid in this 2011 season.
Mainit towers Helino Francisco Jr. and Rodulfo Villaruel II and former AIT standout Jecker Ganot, returning warrior Jephaneeh Jamil and STI-Surigao best point guard from Mainit, Edmond Basil are some of the new big names that were included by coach Clint Mondano during the off season.
The Towers, both 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-2 respectively has a lot of potential, will bring in additional height and heft to NorthEastern Mindanao College Warrior's already solid frontline anchored on mainstay Raymond Lopez, second-generation player Richard Lumpay and beefy Andro Hibaya.
Experienced players like Ramz Ugay, Lord Toring, Jobert Lopez, Eustaquio Alaba and last last year NEMCO leading scorer Gerald Marquez will try to keep a hold of their younger teammates and lead the squad back on top.
Despite the overwhelming advantage in talent, assistant coach Rosbert Gesta believes the team has yet to gain its maturity.
"We still lack the experience. A lot of our players are young around this season and this will be a test for our young guys to face the real challenge," said Gesta.
The lack of experience may take its toll on NEMCO, which half of its squad led by rookies and some of the holdovers playing on their second year.
Still, the Warriors are hoping to defend their way back on top and play to their true potential unlike in same preseason campaign where they had difficulty establishing their identity.
Whether talent would be enough to carry the squad remains to be seen.
"It's a great opportunity for us to get this kind of opportunity. It will keep us ready for the tougher games in the Surigao city and even outside the city as well," said Sports Coordinator Edgar Lisondra.
This season, the Warriors seek redemption, but they need to show team chemistry - and not rely on talent alone.
Mainit towers Helino Francisco Jr. and Rodulfo Villaruel II and former AIT standout Jecker Ganot, returning warrior Jephaneeh Jamil and STI-Surigao best point guard from Mainit, Edmond Basil are some of the new big names that were included by coach Clint Mondano during the off season.
The Towers, both 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-2 respectively has a lot of potential, will bring in additional height and heft to NorthEastern Mindanao College Warrior's already solid frontline anchored on mainstay Raymond Lopez, second-generation player Richard Lumpay and beefy Andro Hibaya.
Experienced players like Ramz Ugay, Lord Toring, Jobert Lopez, Eustaquio Alaba and last last year NEMCO leading scorer Gerald Marquez will try to keep a hold of their younger teammates and lead the squad back on top.
Despite the overwhelming advantage in talent, assistant coach Rosbert Gesta believes the team has yet to gain its maturity.
"We still lack the experience. A lot of our players are young around this season and this will be a test for our young guys to face the real challenge," said Gesta.
The lack of experience may take its toll on NEMCO, which half of its squad led by rookies and some of the holdovers playing on their second year.
Still, the Warriors are hoping to defend their way back on top and play to their true potential unlike in same preseason campaign where they had difficulty establishing their identity.
Whether talent would be enough to carry the squad remains to be seen.
"It's a great opportunity for us to get this kind of opportunity. It will keep us ready for the tougher games in the Surigao city and even outside the city as well," said Sports Coordinator Edgar Lisondra.
This season, the Warriors seek redemption, but they need to show team chemistry - and not rely on talent alone.