Filipino-Palestinian Yousef Taha and Filipino-American Josan Nimes might just provide the firepower the Cardinals need after losing veterans Erwin Cornejo, Macky Acosta and TG Guillermo to graduation.

“The rookies are good, they will be a big help for us this season,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

The 6-foot-7 Taha, described as a “scoring threat inside,” and the 6-2 Nimes will team up with holdovers Allan Mangahas, Jonathan Banal, Jason Pascual, Mike Parala and Mark Sarangay.

But Victolero said his wards need to get their acts together in the tune-up tournament as the Cardinals bid for a return stint in the NCAA Final Four.

“We lost our leaders for the past four years, so we have to start over,” said Victolero.

Emilio Aguinaldo College, meanwhile, will parade a new coach in ex-pro Gerry Esplana, who will bank on Argel Mendoza, Milan Vargas, Claude Cubo, Russell Yaya and John Monteclaro.

“We just really want to improve this season and perform better,” said Esplana.

The summer league is presented by Pioneer Mighty Bond Extreme and Elastoseal and backed by FilOil and Flying V, Molten, Oxycan, BDO, Bayo in cooperation with Total Phils. Corp., TMS Ship Agencies Inc., Cobra Energy Drink, Alveo, Bacchus Energy Drink, Gatorade, RX 93.1 and Sife Pilipinas.

Jasmine Payo, INquirer.net