After losing Davon Potts to the pros, Benedict Adamos to another school, and key transferee Ralph Penuela to injury, the defending NCAA Seniors Basketball Champions San Beda University Red Lions made sure to score a haul during the off-season.
Besides recruiting Filipino-Canadian prospect James Canlas and 16th-ranked prospect Evan Nelle, the Red Lions were able to secure 6-foot-5 Damie Cuntapay to beef up their frontline.
“Damie tried out for the team early last week,” disclosed team manager Jude Roque about Cuntapay, who averaged 6.3 points and 6.5 rebounds during his final year with the San Sebastian Staglets. “Though we still have a lot to work on with his game, he has untapped potential that hopefully he could learn from us.
“He is a fast learner with very good work ethic. I think he can give us a big lift at the center position. He also graduated high school with honors, so we are happy about that too.”
San Beda were also able to get Cebuano big man Alex Visser. Visser, who is the 24th-ranked High School prospect in the Chooks-to-Go/NBTC rankings, towed the Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles to the CESAFI juniors crown last season.
However, Visser will first suit up for the school’s Team B squad, as the team’s staff wants him to familiarize himself with the collegiate style of play first. Joining him in the wings are Red Cubs Peter Alfaro, Carlo Obenza, Joshua Tagala, Prince Etrata, and Sean Garcia.
“We are happy that Alex and our former Red Cubs student-athletes decided to go to San Beda even if they will have to go to our Team B first. This will help ease their transition to the collegiate game,” shared Roque.
With these additions, San Beda are ready for the upcoming season and the future.
