DURING the two-year lull after its riveting upset of then four-peat-seeking San Beda University in the last cage wars in 2019, Letran lost its heart and soul in Jerrick Balanza and key players Larry Muyang and Bonbon Batiller due to graduation.
One would think the Knights are now pushovers. New College of St. Benilde Blazers coach Charles Tiu disagreed, however.
“Tough game against the defending champions. I wish we didn’t have to play them right away,” Tiu told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday.
“Wish there was a little more time to prepare but we just have to play our best and compete. They are a very strong and a complete team,” he added.
Letran launches its bid for back-to-back titles when it tackles CSB tomorrow as the 97th NCAA basketball tournament opens behind closed doors at the La Salle Green Hills Gym in Mandaluyong.
The match is set at 3:30 p.m. after the league’s opening ceremonies at 2:30.
The Red Lions test an overhauled Lyceum side when they clash in the other game at 7:05 p.m.
Last season’s finals MVP Fran Yu and prized addition Rhenz Abando, along with Allen Mina, Jeo Ambohot, and Pao Javillonar will anchor the Knights’ charge.
The Blazers, sans Justin Gutang who opted to forego his fifth and final year, will be led by Will Gozum and Robi Nayve.
CSB wound up with a 9-9 card, good for fifth, last season and will also no longer have Yankie Haruna, Edward Dixon, Carlo Young, Unique Naboa, and Kendrix Belgica.
San Beda posted an 18-0 record in the elimination round and advanced to the Big Dance outright, only to lose to Letran in three grueling games.
The likes of Fil-Canadian guard James Canlas, Ralph Penuela, Franz Abuda, Damie Cuntapay, and JB Bahio will be counted upon by coach Boyet Fernandez in making up for the departure of Calvin Oftana, Evan Nelle, Donald Tankoua, Kemark Carino.
The Pirates, now under former PBA player Gilbert Malabanan, will rely on Renzo Navarro and Mclaude Guadaña.
