Oracle vows to continue Harbour Centre tradition

MANILA, Philippines - Oracle coach Glen Capacio hopes to continue the winning tradition of his predecessors from the highly successful Harbour Centre squad when they launch their own title ambition in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup unfolding on Tuesday at the San Juan Gym.

Oracle team manager Erick Arejola yesterday said Capacio, who coaches Far Eastern University in the UAAP, will now coach the team since former mentor Jorge Gallent and consultant Junel Baculi have decided to focus on helping their respective teams in the pros.

“Coach Glen is now the head coach of the team and he will retain the same coaching staff except for coaches Jorge and Junel who are now in the PBA,” Arejola told The STAR.

Capacio hopes to carry on the winning tradition of the Mikee Romero-owned franchise that won an unprecedented six straight championships in the semi-pro league.

The team will parade a near intact line-up led by Smart Gilas Pilipinas team members Mark Barroca, RJ Jazul, Mac Baracael, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling.

Rico Maeirhofer, Edwin Asoro and Benedict Fernandez are holdovers from the old Harbour Centre squad.

“What if they (RP team members) are out of the country? That’s our predicament right now,” said Arejola.

“What we can only promise to our fans though is that we will play as hard as we can and bring our never-say-die attitude to another level,” he added.

Arejola pointed to Magnolia as one the teams to beat this conference along with the vastly improved Licealiz, formerly Hapee Toothpaste.

“Magnolia has beefed up, same with Licealiz. They’re going to be tough to beat this year,” said Arejola.

Arejola was referring to the lethal combination of collegiate rivals-turned-teammates Chris Tiu of Ateneo and JV Casio of La Salle, along with the interesting frontcourt tandem of Jervy Cruz and James Sena, which should buoy up the Lamoiyan Corp-owned squad’s chances.

Magnolia, for its part, has retained the core of its squad last conference headed by Santo Tomas hotshot Dylan Ababou, Neil Raneses and Al Magpayo, who will now be joined by Ogie Menor, Marcy Arellano and Marvin Hayes.

Completing the compact five-team cast this conference are Pharex and the Lawrence Chongson-mentored Bacchus Energy Drink.