By MARK REY MONTEJO
With a shorter break and Lebron Jhames Daep moving up to the collegiate ranks, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta is soldiering on as it eyes to retain its crown when the NCAA Season 101 junior’s basketball begins next month.
The reigning champion Junior Altas, however, are bracing for a much tougher test this time when they open their title defense starting Oct. 3.
Five months after winning their historic championship at the expense of the La Salle-Green Hills Greenies, the Junior Altas now have a huge target on their backs.
Cebuano coach Joph Cleopas is pinning his hopes on seven veterans who will try to help each other plug the huge hole following the departure of Daep.
“We need to win every practice and game, I believe in these kids, they give their best every day and every game, but I cannot promise anything” said Cleopas.
Though Daep already completed his duties with the squad, mainstays Louie Rosales, Kurt Velasquez, Lance Nitura, Jim Corpuz, Keanne Zanoria, Ezekiel Zamoras, Hanz Candido and Kurt Patalinghug are projected to spearhead along with talented rookies.
Another challenge for Perpetual is the new format of the league which moved the juniors basketball in the first semester to kick off the action with the seniors category.
“We will take one game at the time, adjust to what we can adjust, study the opponents and do the things that are capable of our team and players,” added Cleopas continued.
Another change applied is the bracketing of participating schools in two groups: Perpetual banners Pool A alongside Mapua, Lyceum, San Sebastian, and Arellano, while Pool B has Letran San Beda, LSGH, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Jose Rizal University
But their readiness will be put to test when they battle the San Sebastian Staglets at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Under a new team management – now headed by Jackson Chua – the Staglets, for sure, are no pushovers.
Like most of the teams, the Recto-based squad has also beefed up its roster to give the Junior Altas a run for their money.
