Without Ace Gunner, Stags Need To Play Together

When a team loses its top gun, there’s no better way than getting the best out of the rest of the squad.

Jimbo Aquino, San Sebastian’s potent scorer, will not be around when the Stags make their title retention bid in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

For San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin, Aquino will leave a big hole to the Stags’ offense.

"It’s true and I admit that Jimbo is really a great loss. He’s our go-to-guy and he’s also the leader of the team," said Agustin, who was just reelected the top city councilor of San Fernando, Pampanga during last month’s national elections.

This year, the battle cry for the Stags is not relying on anyone, but everyone.

Despite Aquino’s departure, Agustin remains optimistic that his wards can still perform well this season as long as his players can step up.

From being last year’s Rookie of the Year, Calvin Abueva has been elevated to become the team leader. Abuevas has become more aggressive and more determined, according to Agustin.

“The truth is, Calvin isn’t the only player who has shown improvement. The rest of the squad showed their willingness to help the team," added Agustin.

From an offense designed mostly on Aquino, the Stags can now use a free-flowing system, which can certainly confuse their rivals.

“Of course, the defense will change once there’s no marked man on the squad. Anybody can become an option on offense," explained Agustin.

Aside from Abueva, veteran point guard Pamboy Raymundo and center Gilbert Bulawan, are expected to deliver the goods. The two graduating students will also need a lot of help from sophomore Ronald Pascual, who is tasked to fill the void left by Aquino.

But while the season looks promising for the Stags, the team was also battered with injuries, which could somehow affect their chances.

Frontliners Dave Najorda and Ian Sangalang are still recovering from their injuries with the upcoming season about to start in less than two weeks.

Najorda underwent knee surgery last December and is slowly on the strengthening process while Sangalang suffered a sprained left ankle during the quarterfinals of the just concluded Filoil Flying V preseason tournament.

“I don’t want the players to feel the pressure. They told me that it’s rare for a host squad to win a championship, but we will continue to compete," said Agustin, also the assistant coach of San Miguel Beer in the PBA and one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players.

Last season, the Stags asserted their dominance when they raced to a 15-0 record.

Agustin, a member of the Beermen’s grandslam team in 1989 and a former PBA Most Valuable Player, refused to entertain thoughts of surpassing last year’s feat.