WILL Xavier University High School (XUHS) Batch 1997 dribblers be able to complete their cavalry this time around?
A question that keeps ringing as Gamba 97 has been rumored to come in full force in their bid for a fifth-straight win against the much younger Alumni 2005 in the 8th XUHS-ABA Basketball Tournament on Friday, September 1, at XUHS covered courts.
Now living in Manila, the reliable tandem of Andrew Neri and Niku Valles were very much alive when Batch 1997 ran roughshod over the
Shantao Moreno-led XUHS 1995 as well as Batch 2007 in their last two outings.
Before Neri and Valles’ arrival, Gamba 97 opened the season with a forgettable four-straight losing streak.
Now, another possibility creates excitement as Gamba’s long-awaited reinforcement in former PBA-San Miguel Beer forward Bitoy Omolon might finally reunite with his high school teammates.
“Hinaut kompleto kami kay we needed all the cavalry to make a sure seat in the playoff,” said Franz “Q-Q” Quiblat, the chairman of Alumni 97.
But, Batch 2005 is up to the challenge despite a short line-up against the elder 1997.
Batch 2005 will be playing without their red-hot guard Jet Yaranon. He is reportedly in Manila until the rest of the weekend.
The Yaranon-less Batch 2005 will be banking on the duo of Jai Manulat and lawyer Joey Abbu.
“It is a challenge and a chance for us to play against former pros and we look up to them sa una pa,” said Manulat.
2005 currently tops the St. Francis Cup division with 7-1 win-loss card.
