After more than 15 years of missing the finals in the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association collegiate basketball tournament, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Rams is expected to be a title contender in this year’s games.

The Rams bagged its last NOPSSCEA crown under their former mentor Rolly Buenaflor.

“I can’t promise a trophy this year but a lot of changes have been made in our team,” Rams’ head coach Gerome Aledron said.

He said they have a stronger team this season compared to last year with the entry of Cedrick Eslabon, Joemel Paderog and recent Palarong Pambansa campaigner John Lorenz Toral,” adding that the team is 50 percent intact.

Before Aledron took over the coaching task, former Rams’ mentor Ereneo Morales handled the team in the previous NOPSSCEA seasons.

Aledron said they can’t blame coach Morales for the Rams’ failure under his leadership and he had a hard time during those seasons as he was alone in the job.

Aledron also gives credit to the top management as well as to UNO-R sports director Ericson Rios for giving full support to the team.

Meanwhile, as part of the Rams’ preparation, the team played series of tune-up matches against other NOPSSCEA teams. They were also exposed to a high level of game against the squad of former UNO-R stalwarts led by Leo Bat-og, Jomarie Bayhon, Arnold Gano and Ramir Abello.

They are also slated to hold another tune-up game against a team composed of Huelear, Bat-og and Meralco Voltz’s slotman Reynel Hugnatan.

To further assess their team’s capability, the Rams will also see action in the 1st LNA7 Invitational Basketball Tournament to kick off this Friday at the West Negros University Gym.

The UNO-R Rams is composed of veterans Francis John Parreño, Coleen Jude Testa, Kim Dimaranan, Ritcher Santillan, Joenel Billones, John Guirnela, Fred Jay Parreño, Mark Anthony Papa, Joery Jarlata, Melogy Erojo and Melvy Derder.

Also suiting up for the squad is newcomer Eslabon, Paderog, Toral, Stefano Ayuco, Jade Paul Calma Chris John Dayumat and Mark Cyve Segador – who came from Ateneo de Cebu.*

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