JC Cular. NCAA photo
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde may have the main AD carry back for next season but coach Charles Tiu believes the Blazers will have a big hole to fill with the departure of point guard JC Cullar.
Cullar, who was the captain of Benilde’s finals in the just-concluded NCAA Season 98, will be sorely missed by the Blazer in Season 99 after having exhausted all his playing years.
“Without JC, we wouldn’t be here. He’s the leader who sets the tone and culture here. He is the biggest loss for me,” Tiu said later Benilde bows to Letran, 81-67, in Game 3 of the Finals on Sunday.
With defending MVP Will Gozum, rising star Migs Oczon and reliable striker Miggy Corteza in tow, Cullar didn’t need to provide another scoring punch for Benilde. Instead, Cullar provides gameplay, stability, and leadership.
Cullar averaged 5.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his final season while also doing the invisible.
When Cullar left, Tiu challenged his other guards to take the opportunity.
“Someone will have to step up. Tiu said.
Besides Cullar, Jimboy Pasturan will also not be returning due to graduation.
Tiu mentioned Ray Carlos and Joshua Cajucom as the players he expects to be promoted to first place.
