ILAGAN — Just as expected, the newest members of the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys wasted no time in making a huge impact to their new squad.
Led by Agem Miranda, homegrown sensation Donald Gumaru and Terrence Tumalip, the new and improved Cowboys looked deadlier, sharper in scuttling the Valenzuela Magic, 78-55, to the delight of their local folks who packed the Capital Arena late Saturday night.
A triple jump holder when he was still playing in the UAAP for the UE Junior Warriors athletic squad, Miranda used his athleticism to the hilt in producing 19 points, while also pulling down three rebounds and three assists.
Miranda, who recently played in the PBA for the NorthPort Batang Pier, was also happy to be reconnected with his old college coach, Louie Gonzalez, his mentor at Jose Rizal University.
“Galing kasi ako kay Coach Louie, so alam ko yung sistema nila, pero sa mga bago, unti-unti namang nafi-fix yung mga pagkukulang ang slowly napupunan naman,” said Miranda.
Gumaru had a homecoming of sorts with the Ilaguenos and quickly felt the love right in his first game.
The former Barangay Ginebra player was acquired by the Cowboys from reigning two-time champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns in a trade with Allen Mina and immediately provided the steady presence at the guard spot needed by Ilagan Isabela, which improved its current standing at 8-8.
Gumaru finished with 12 markers.
Tumalip previously played for the disgruntled Davao Occidental team, but found a new home where his potential can be fully utilized.
The dead shot guard unloaded 11 markers to go along with five rebounds and four assists.
Even Dennis Santos, the lengthy, athletic player, also provided quality minutes where he wound up with seven points and six rebounds in just 12 minutes of action.
Team owner Jeao Diaz expected these newcomers to change the fortunes of the Cowboys’ squad that is looking to develop a winning run and establish the momentum needed for a potential playoff appearance just in their maiden season.
“We really believe that this new team could establish our new identity. The game that we played against Valenzuela, that’s the identity that we are aiming for,” said Diaz. “The mere fact na nagawa natin siya, we’re looking for exciting times ahead. We believe that the winning run we’re hoping will finally come.”
