A new system, a new coach and a new set of teammates proved to be no problem at all for Migs Pascual and Lance Ronquillo of San Sebastian, who were given their baptism of fire under Arvin Bonleon.
Bonleon took over as new coach of the Stags a few months ago, squelching rumors that former PBA player Rodney Santos was going to handle the team.
Along with Bonleon came these new recruits – Ronquillo and Pascual – who went via different routes.
A former national youth team co-captain, Pascual was actually recruited last season by San Sebastian but sat out last year in compliance with the NCAA rules on players transferring coming from another league.
But Pascual quickly earned the trust of new coach, Bonleon, who used the previous point guard of the University of the East Red Warriors to become his steady presence at the backcourt.
Pascual dished out four assists, who tied high-point man Tristan Felebrico for most dimes during the game, to go along with five points, but his significant minutes where he saw action in 23 minutes clearly showed how much he has earned the trust of Bonleon.
Ronquillo, on the other hand, contributed three points, but fouled out of the game.
Similarly, Ronquillo played 20 minutes, which allowed him to provide the spark and energy for his team as he and Pascual were able to form a deadly, promising tandem for the Recto-based team.
Although the Stags dropped a heartbreaking 70-72 overtime loss against a crack Diliman College Blue Dragons, the Stags were able to show a glimpse of their future with Bonleon at the helm.
