Season 91 finish: Sixth place
Elimination round record: 11-7
Point Differential: -4.7
Pomp and Circumstance: Scottie Thompson, Cris Elopre, Anton Tamayo
Premier Cup record: Quarterfinalist
Recruits and Returnees: Jack Hao, Rommel Mangalino, Daryl Singontiko, Jonathan Yuhico, Kervin Lucente, McKevin Velasquez
| Name |
| Akhuetie, Bright Osagie |
| Cabiltes, Nikolo T. |
| Coronel, Antonio Jeffrey L. |
| Dagangon, Gabriel S. |
| Dizon, Gerald L. |
| Eze, Prince |
| Gallardo, Ric C. |
| Hao, Jack M. |
| Mangalino, Rommel T. |
| Oliveria, Kevin G. |
| Pido, Keith Llowel G. |
| Sadiwa, Flash Gordon H. |
| Singontiko, Daryl O. |
| Ylagan, John Genmar L. |
| Yuhico, Jonathan Andrew A. |
| Bantayan Jr., Nestor D. |
| Lucente, Kervin V. |
| Velasquez, McKevin H. |
Assessment
Perpetual’s one-two punch of Bright Akhuetie and Scottie Thompson gave constant headaches to opposing teams last season. They complimented each other well and they usually made it a point to get their teammates involved.
However, one of the biggest questions heading into this season is how the Altas will fair after Thompson’s departure. It is tough to go to war without your best playmaker. To make up for Mr. Triple-Double’s absence, the pressure is now on Akhuetie to take his game further. As one of the stronger foreign student-athletes the NCAA has to offer, Akhuetie will now carry the Altas on his back.
Looking at the Altas’ preseason, they have transitioned into a more defense-oriented unit to make up for the departure of Thompson. Their usual set involved setting up Akhuetie at the low post, where he could make the most damage. If no one could guard Akhuetie singlehandedly, he would immediately be double-teamed.
And with that scenario, Perpertual’s shooters must make it a point to hit their outside shots — but the Altas have a plenty of them, with the likes of GJ Ylagan, Daryl Singontiko, and many more.
Prince Eze also plays a pivotal role heading into the season. Usually the first big off the bench when Akhuetie takes a breather, Eze immediately gives rim protection for the Altas. But this time around, he needs to assert himself more on offense to give his team a fighting chance.
More importantly, Perpetual need to see constant contributions from Gab Dagangon. When he is engaged in his game, the Altas offense gets going thanks to his ability to space the floor. His ability to get to the rim can also create more open shots for the team. Also, he must not repeat the meltdown he had in last season’s second round. When his offensive contributions sputtered, the Altas had a hard time keeping up with their opponents, since it exhausted Thompson and Akhuetie with an added workload on offense. With more touches coming to him, Dagangon must take full advantage of it.
Lastly, expect the likes of defensive-minded guards Flash Sadiwa, AJ Coronel, and Gerald Dizon to work on their playmaking skills more. They may not be as crafty as Thompson, but their playmaking will be crucial for the Altas this season. If no playmaker steps up, it will be a tough time for Perpetual.
Quotes: Jimwell Gican
“Uulitin ko lang sinabi ni coach Egay. Arellano ang malakas this year.”
Prediction
7-11 (7th)
| STARTER PACK CENTRAL | |
| Follow the High Chief’s Lead | Blazing a New Trail |
 |  |
| Sword without a Shield | Another New Era Begins |
 |  |
| Bombs Away! | Waiting for the Baby Beast |
 |  |
| All is Well | REDemption |
 |  |
| Macaraya Magic | Under the Bright Light |
 |  |
