By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--San Sebastian-Aspirants pulled off a Cinderella run in the 2015 City Hoops playoffs on their way to the title.
While aiming for a title defense in the new season beginning April 9, Coach Bobby Lotuaco looks at a bigger goal: seeing his players make the Staglets' NCAA squad.
"[City Hoops] helped our student-athletes mainly in basketball to reach their goals as I have players already practicing and trying out for our NCAA team this summer. We pray that they will be able to make it to the NCAA team," said Lotuaco.
San Sebastian's NCAA juniors squad became more prominent during the mid-2000's when the team had former UAAP steals king Eric Salamat, former UAAP Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe, and Gilas Pilipinas standout Paul Lee.
San Sebastian-Aspirants needed to undergo three win-or-go-home clashes in the playoffs before becoming the youth league's first ever champs, and Lotuaco, who was once a part of Letran and Alaska's coaching staff, gave thanks to one of his mentors.
"[I] credit also [the championship] to Coach Aldoe Salazar. This was his team. I just inherited it," Lotuaco specified.
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