The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers have always been among the top teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Falling short the last couple of seasons and the departure of four starters has led many to believe that this year’s version of the JRU Heavy Bombers will be perennial pretenders and a mere shadow of last year’s team. But returning veterans Marvin Hayes, John Lopez, Nchotu John Njei and a cast of gritty overachievers will prove the naysayers wrong. This year’s ball club is the Heavy Bombers version 2.0 - hungrier and more determined to bring home the championship and finally end its 28 (?) year NCAA title drought. Their motivation, the hopes of the whole Rizalian community and their new head coach former King Bomber, PBA Most Valuable Player and Champion – Vergel Meneses.
With Meneses at the helm, fans can expect a more defense-oriented squad that will rely heavily on teamwork and execution to win ballgames. The lack of superstars this time around leaves the door wide open for everyone to step up and compete while leaving it all out on the court day in and day out. The Heavy Bombers are going to go hard every game for forty minutes at both ends of the court. Coach Meneses will be the catalyst that will bring this team together and give it the character of a winner.
It is no secret that even with an excellent showing in the FilOil Flyng V pre-season games and a successful tune-up stint against top universities in South Korea, the Heavy Bombers will be flying under the radar in this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. All eyes will be on Rookie Head Coach Vergel Meneses and everyone will be holding with baited breath to see how he makes the transition from a successful player to a successful bench tactician. Drama and subplots abound as the JRU Heavy Bombers begin their quest for that elusive NCAA Championship and this makes for a very compelling reason to cheer for the Blue and Gold. Will this be the story book ending Rizalians have long been waiting for? Stay tuned to find out.
