At 6-foot-9, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bruiser Ladis Lepalam stands as the tallest player to see action in the upcoming NCAA Season 97 that raises its curtains on March 26, Saturday.
The 22-year-old Lepalam is among the holdovers for the Blazers and as they are set to start their campaign, the young slotman said his role as the team's center is crucial now more than ever, especially that imports have been barred.
"Being tall is important now because first, there are no more imports," Lepalam said in Thursday's episode of NCAA Season 97 primer "Game On".
"What coaches are expecting from us is to be the shot blocker and we should always make our presence felt under the basket."
Aside from Lepalam, other centers to watch out in the looming league restart are the 6-foot-5 Damie Cuntapay of San Beda University and the 6-foot-6 men in the middle JM Calma and Ivan Santos of San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Mapua University, respectively.
They will go toe-to-toe with other big men such as Jerwyn Guinto of Lyceum of the Philippines University, Lean Martel of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Erlan Umpad of Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Ryan Arenal of Jose Rizal University.
Meanwhile, "Game On" hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron sat down with four NCAA volleyball student-athletes who gave the viewers an update on how they have been doing amidst the pandemic.
Shannai Requierme of San Sebastian, Trina Abay of Arellano, Chenie Batac of Mapua, and Razel Paula Aldea of Perpetual said it wasn't easy to make adjustments at first. But with the help of their coaches and their schools, they were able to pull through.
"All throughout the pandemic, I know it was very difficult for us. Not only for the athletes but for everyone as well. At first, it was challenging to make adjustments," said Lady Stags' open hitter Requierme.
Abay added: "Our situation during the pandemic was really hard."
Women's volleyball tournament is among the sports included in this year's NCAA lineup along with online chess and taekwondo.
Watch "Game On" every 10:30 a.m. until March 25. NCAA Season 97 will open on Saturday.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News
