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Season 28 Preview: DLSU IE-98 (part 1 of 2)

It wasn't a strong finish, but we're still here.

This was the message coach Franco Zarate shared with the team after their first team practice held at the Velasco Hall. With season 28 just around the corner, let's take a look at your Engineers.


Holdovers:
Luduvico Estil - Center (Philippines)
Hakki Cav - Center (Turkey)
Vytautas Pirantas - Forward (Lithuania)
Mark Kriegshauser - Forward (Australia)
Lucilo Quilao - Forward / Guard (Philippines)
Alvaro Iturren - Guard (Spain)
DJ Montano - Guard (Philippines)
Caesar Jesus - Guard (Philippines)


Rookies:
Casiano Malaki - Guard (Philippines)
Ramel Judilla - Forward / Center (Philippines)

Additions:
Gianluca Chiaranti - Guard (Italy)


Attrition:
Yau Fusheng - Forward
Cary Velez - Guard
Gary Lea - Forward
Lou Querubin Modina - Forward / Center
Nikos Piomas - Forward

The DLSU IE-98 will have the services of returning core members Alvaro Iturren, Mark Kriegshauser, Lucilo Quilao and DJ Montano.

Last edited by fpanzer10 at 7/9/2014 9:11:44 AM

Season 28 Preview: DLSU IE-98 (part 2 of 2)

With the Engineers being part of the stronger Big 8 conference (5 of the 7 teams have a ranking lower than 200), they have the unenviable task of playing real hard to ensure they do not get relegated by the end of the season. "Our hope is for the boys to adapt to Division III basketball. Our rookies have to be at their best since they will play against the best" said coach Franco Zarate.

That being said, this season has presented one of the weaker draft classes. This also brings into question the selection of forward Ramel Judilla. His performance during the draft combine was enough to wow some scouts, but some pundits are raising their eyebrows over his consistency. "Everyone knows that during the draft combine players will definitely be at their best. It's a question of whether they can bring this to the court on any given night; if they can contribute to the team as a starter or bench player" said one scout. The arrival of Judilla also meant the release of Gary Lea to free agency, who proved to be too costly for the Engineers in terms of money spent.

Projected standing: 7-15

(AP)


Last edited by fpanzer10 at 7/9/2014 9:33:58 AM

Engineers player signings and movements

-Spanish guard/forward Alvaro Iturren recently agreed to a four season extension with DLSU IE-98. This comes with a team option on his fourth season

-Guard DJ Montano agreed to a two season extension with the Engineers

-Lucilo Quilao agreed to a two season extension, plus share the position of Co-captain with sophomore guard Caesar Jesus

- Luduvico Estil signed a two season extension contract with DLSU IE-98

- Vytautas Pirantas was recently included in the Lithuanian U21 team, he signed a two season extension yesterday

- Mark Kriegshauser agreed to a three season deal, with the third season being a player option

-Hakki Cav signed a two season extension yesterday, he may be the backup center for Luduvico Estil

- Italian combo guard Gianluca Chiaranti signed his three season contract yesterday



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Last edited by fpanzer10 at 7/16/2014 2:54:44 AM

Quilao traded for cash considerations, doubt looming if DLSU IE-98 will make it in season 28

In a surprise move, former first pick Lucilo Quilao was traded to American team kings31 for cash considerations. His career average with the Engineers included 10.2 points, 5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and almost one block in 106 games played.

"We found this to be a very difficult decision to make after signing him for two seasons, but we feel it is the right for Caesar Jesus to captain to team" the team spokesperson said during a press conference held at the Eurotel Monday, July 14.

With that in mind, the pressure is now placed in the hands of a 19 year old sophomore guard from Quezon City. "Lucilo has been there since day one of the franchise, so that locker room presence and big brother role is something we will all miss" said Jesus. "This will be a tough challenge - how will I get the other players and imports together as a team. I will ready myself for the challenges that will lie ahead."

(AP)

DLSU IE-98: The small forward conundrum

It is not everyday that a versatile former number one pick be traded in favor of a projected sixth man.

Such is the case of Casiano Malaki, a native of Samar province. "I was surprised when I found out (Lucilo) Quilao will be shipped to a different team. I was expecting to get the call from management but it never came. Guess I consider myself lucky" said Malaki.

At a diminutive 6'2, Casiano has an immediate disadvantage over his match-ups at small forward. He does bring, however, youth and a well-balanced game. "We are hoping to maximize Casiano's potential while in his rookie season, and because of that we had to send Lucilo Quilao to the trading block" said the team spokesperson.

His presence, however, meant the departure of the former team captain to the US. This did not sit well with some of the players.

"I know he (Malaki) is new to the squad, but the loss of Lucilo was somewhat a big blow to our morale. We love Quilao and support him as he joins his new team." said point guard DJ Montano.

The Engineers now have 6'9 small forward Bojie Afuang, who was initially slated to be the substitute at small forward, take on the starter role. His performance in his first two games, if it gives any indication, is considered to be lackluster as pointed out by some critics. "You can't win games if you don't score points" wrote Pete R North of ESPN-Buzzerbeater. "Bojie Afuang, though known to be a good player has big shoes to fill in light of Quilao's departure. He has yet to find his shooting touch, which is concerning since playing against Division III teams requires players to be at their best or face relegation"

(AP)

Engineers extend winning streak to three, upset Hell Catz

As far as DLSU IE-98 is concerned, so far, so good.

The Engineers extended their winning streak to three games, defeating the Hell Catz, 94-90. This is their second upset win this season, the first against ACP last 29 July 2014.

Mark Kriegshauser led the Engineers with 22 points, as four other players scored in double figures. Second year guard Caesar Jesus, not known for his shooting prowess, added a season high 13 points and two 3-pointers.

"I am not used to seeing our team in the top four at this point of the season. I'm trying to make things real, but it really is a good feeling" coach Franco Zarate said after the game.

The Engineers face DILDILATOR next Tuesday.

DLSU IE-98 - 94: Kriegshauser - 22, Talvari - 18, Montano - 15, Jesus - 13, Iturren - 12, Afuang - 4, Chiaranti - 4, Pirantas - 4, Estil - 2, Malaki - 0

Hell Catz - 90: Renvoise - 38, Dourado - 18, Elizalde - 13, Ogric - 11, Vistakas - 5, Stoguart - 3, Guamen - 2, Mpaxevenakis - 0, Carton - 0

Quarterscores: 24 - 25, 49 - 46, 70 - 68, 94 - 90

(AP)

Engineers upset Burning Legion, 79-66
Iturren scores career high 50 points

The run of DLSU IE-98's amazing season continues, winning 79-66 against a heavily favored but injury riddled Burning Legion.

Alvaro Iturren scored a career high 50 points on 19-36 shooting, including 10-11 from the free throw line. He finished the game with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

Rhady Domines and Andrew Joel Sudayan watched from the sidelines as the Legion suffered their first loss after winning two straight games.

DLSU IE-98- 79: Iturren - 50, Montano - 9, Tavari - 8, Kriegshauser - 6, Malaki - 4, Slupek - 2, Afuang - 0, Pirantas - 0, Chiaranti - 0, Jesus - 0

Burning Legion- 66: Escuadra - 18, Dereguito - 14, Limbauan - 12, Amarillo - 9, Jackson - 5, Avate - 4, Salvan - 2, Triana- 2

Quarterscores: 23-22, 49-33, 66-51, 79-66

AP

good to see na pinagpapatuloy mo pa ito..

sana mag-all out ka na next season sir para masaya :)

Sana nga FF, moneyball GM ako kaya titignan ko kung kaya na next season. So far bwenas ako this season, sana wag make-jinx after the all star break. Lol

Engineers tied for second place in the Big 8

At the rate things are going with the Engineers, it seems they will pulling one of their more impressive accomplishments to date.

With three teams tied at the Big 8 with a 10-4 win/loss records DLSU IE-98 is now in position to gain a playoff berth - something they have not thought of at the start of the season.

"We were expecting to make it at least in the top six of our conference given the competition, but to be tied for second place is really an accomplishment. I am proud of my boys" said coach Franco Zarate.

Setting what appeared to be realistic expectations at the start of the tournament, a couple of upsets marked what could be a winning season after only their second try.

"We do want to be realistic with our expectations coming into the season, but with Alvaro's shooting touch in those crucial games and injuries from the other teams, we would gladly take those wins" added coach Zarate.

#DLSUIE #Buzzerbeater #Engineers

Engineers on track to enter playoffs

DLSU IE-98 is now in a position to enter the playoffs after their second season in Div III.

"We hope to win against ACP on Tuesday to solidify our position in the playoffs" said coach Franco Zarate. A win by the Engineers against ACP coupled by a goldraider loss will almost guarantee them a spot in the quaterfinals against the Secret Gardeners. The Engineers are expected to win their last assignment against ANewSwall.blogspot, but coach Zarate said they will not take their chances against the cellar dweller.

The Engineers hold a superior quotient against goldraider and ACP, and coach Zarate is holding on to that heading into the last two games of the season.

#DLSUIE #Buzzerbeater #Engineers #incoachzaratewetrust