The Perpetual Help Junior Altas is fed up of being just the bridesmaid. This season they are eyeing no less than the crown.
That’s the mission for last year’s runners up Altas starting Feb. 18 when the NCAA Season 100 kicks off its juniors basketball tournament.
“For me, the titles we earned during the off-season, like the NGBL, Under Armor Invitational Championship, and Junior MPBL, are just like batteries for our team,” coach Joph Cleopas was quoted as saying.
“They help us fuel the corrections we need to make, win or lose.”
He added: “In every game, we learned. I told the players not to get carried away by our wins. Enjoy it, but don’t let your emotions take over. We’re here for our main goal — the NCAA. Stay hungry and keep your eyes on the prize.”
Cleopas will lean on a strong mix of returning players to accomplish that task.
They include the towering duo of Lebron Jhames Daep and Aries Borja, alongside Kelsey Baldoria, Icee Callangan, JD Pagulayan, Jericho Cristino, Jan Roluna, TJ Tabbuan, and Lance Nitura.
The squad also welcomes six promising rookies: Kurt Velasquez and Louie Rosales from Batang Gilas, Felix Corpuz and Hanz Llupar from Cebu, Kurt Patalinghug from Lapu-Lapu City, and Renzo Zanoria from Cebu City.
The Las Piñas-based squad is energized by their pre-season successes, having captured titles in the NGBL and Junior MPBL tournaments.
