Youth is the main weapon of the Quezon City-Zark’s Jawbreakers when they set sail in the first leg of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup on Saturday at the Megamall Event Center.
UAAP and NCAA Champions Kib Montalbo and Clint Doliguez will lead a young crew made up of UCBL standouts Chris Lalata and Paolo Castro of Olivarez College, and Bryan Santos of TIP.
But being one of the youngest teams in the tournament also has its disadvantages. This was evident enough in the preseason, when they struggled against the veteran-laden pool.
But Coach Carmelo Navarro assured that Zarks will be ready come game time.
“We’re probably one of the youngest teams in the league. During the preseason medyo na-intimidate sila sa big names. Pero this leg, we’re gonna be ready to compete,” said Navarro.
“We just want to compete. The brand is known to compete with bigger names eh, and that’s our goal here. We’ll take it one game at a time,” he added.
They’ll be banking on the big game experience of Montalbo, who played a crucial role in La Salle’s championship run three years ago.
“Kib is our leader. He’s very vocal. He brings intensity which rubs off on our other player. He’s ready to lead the team,” Navarro said.
Navarro also expects plenty from his recruits from the UCBL, as he knows full well that they have the ability to compete with the big names in the pool.
“They’re very excited. We’ll compensate our lack of experience with the players wanting to prove themselves,” Navarro said.
“Their burning desire to compete with the big names is gonna be our advantage.”
