Holiday, bonding trips for NCAA champions

MANILA, Philippines — The Mapua Cardinals were rewarded with a pair of foreign trips for their NCAA Season 100 feat.

“Byahe kami Hong Kong early January at sa Europe or US (United States) sa March,” Mapua coach Randy Alcantara told The STAR.

The bonus came a couple of weeks after the Cardinals ended their 33-year championship wait with a magnificent title conquest that was capped by a two-game finals sweep of the St. Benilde Blazers.

It was Mapua’s sixth NCAA seniors crown overall.

The incentive trips would also serve another purpose with the Cardinals hoping to build confidence in preparation for another title run in Season 101.

“Parang team building na rin namin ‘yun para sa next season,” said Alcantara.

The Mapua coach, however, is bracing for a season possibly minus the team’s heart and soul – Clint Escamis.

“Wala pang desisyon,” he said. “Pero kung ano man ang desisyon niya (Escamis), rerespetuhin namin ‘yun.”

Alcantara said Escamis, last year’s MVP and this year’s Finals MVP, has already left a legacy regardless of his decision.

“Nagawa na naman niya lahat para mapag champion ang Mapua, nakita na naman natin lahat ‘yun,” he said.