NCAA Season 91 finish: Champion
Elimination round record: 13-5
Point differential: +7.3
Pomp and Circumstance: Mark Cruz, Kevin Racal, Rey Publico, Kevin Buenaflor
Premier Cup standing: Eliminated (Elimination Round)
Recruits and Returnees: Jeo Ambohot, Jap Pambid, Marco Sario, Renato Ular, Lance Vacaro, Daniel Carapilio, Julius Tiburcio
| Name |
| Ambohot, Jeo R. |
| Apreku Jr., Felix G. |
| Balagasay, Christian L. |
| Balanza, Jerrick G. |
| Bernabe, Matthew M. |
| Calvo, John Paul |
| De La Pena, Chrisantoni M. |
| Luib, McJour B. |
| Nambatac, Rey Benedict C. |
| Pambid, Gay Lord Jap M. |
| Quinto, Kier John R. |
| Sario, Marvin John Carlo Y. |
| Sollano, Jomari T. |
| Ular, Renato T. |
| Vacaro, Lance Juviel M. |
| Carapilio, King Daniell M. |
| Gedaria, Tommy York |
| Tiburcio, Julius M. |
Assessment
Last season, the Letran Knights took the NCAA by storm, introducing the league to the House of Chaos. Game in and game out, the Knights smothered opposing teams with their unforgiving trap defense to go along with their hot outside shooting. With their chaotic brand of basketball, they successfully dethroned the five-time defending champion San Beda Red Lions to end their 10-year title drought.
However, bigger challenges await the defending NCAA champions in this new season.
During the off-season, the Knights saw champion coach Aldin Ayo leave the four walls of Intramuros after accepting De La Salle University’s coaching job offer. To fill in the void left by Ayo, Letran tapped the services of National University’s Jeff Napa to lead the way.
Moving on, Letran are keen to fill the void left by seniors Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal. Both players were integral parts of the team’s magical championship run last season. Cruz and Racal gave Letran a couple of veteran players who could will them through tough stretches. Cruz was one of the team’s best clutch performers, while Racal’s versatility served as the team’s defensive linchpin.
Luckily, Letran’s participation in the recently-concluded Filoil Flying V Cup gave a glimpse of what’s in store for them in their upcoming NCAA campaign. Despite having a new coach, Letran still retained their uptempo style of play and often mirrored the way they had run things the season prior.
Also, Rey Nambatac has fully embraced his role as the team’s new leader, and showed that he is capable in being the main man in their offensive attack. A lot of players have also stepped up, with the likes of JP Calvo, Bong Quinto, and Jerrick Balanza showing improved play after given increased roles. Likewise, mainstays Jom Sollano, McJour Luib, and the rest are poised to showcase renewed confidence heading into the season.
For the Knights to be successful in defending their title in the upcoming NCAA Season, they must rely on their speed and shooting to overcome their size disadvantages against majority of the opposing teams. Their athleticism will be their biggest strength in fortifying their trapping defense and dictating the tempo of the game. Surely the defending champions will not go down without a fight this season. Regardless of the team’s deficiencies, they are always known to play with a chip on their shoulder.
Quotes: Jeff Napa
“For me, itong lahat ng teams na ito ay malakas. Bago lang din ako sa college, so I consider lahat sila na very competitive.”
Prediction
8-10 (T-5th)
| STARTER PACK CENTRAL | |
| Follow the High Chief’s Lead | Blazing a New Trail |
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| Sword without a Shield | Another New Era Begins |
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| Bombs Away! | Waiting for the Baby Beast |
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| All is Well | REDemption |
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| Macaraya Magic | Under the Bright Light |
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