THE Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) Reds expect an uphill battle when it tries to defend its title in the upcoming Chooks-to-Go SM-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Davao Leg.
HCCD training head and assistant coach Roger Rabago, in a phone interview with SunStar Davao, said some of their championship players last year have graduated and more newbies have joined the team this year.
"Daghang kusog og tag-as labaw na ang JMC og Davao Jones. Daghang bug-at (There's a lot of strong and taller teams like Jose Maria College and Davao Jones Academy. It's a heavy field)," he said, adding that their preparations were halted due to the series of earthquakes in October and the semestral break.
Former HCCD's Vince Petdeo Cuajao, who is currently with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, was the most valuable player (MVP) in NBTC Davao finals last year.
NBTC Davao leg coordinator Aldin Celi, during yesterday's (November 14) Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao said specific date and venue for the Davao City eliminations that will have a total of 16 teams.
"This is a free league open for public and private schools with 19 and below players," Celi said.
The city titlist will advance to the regional finals with St. Mary's College of Tagum as defending champion.
Similar qualifying legs will also be held in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.
Celi also said all champions team will vie for the regional title in Davao City.