One of the latest teams to join the league, the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates have started to chart their own path in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
From being a guest team in 2011, LPU was elevated as a regular member in 2015.
However, prior to joining the NCAA, the Pirates had already produced the likes of notable basketball players such as Gary David and Chico Lanete.
Since joining the league, Lyceum has made its mark, earning its first finals stint in men's basketball in 2017 when a team led by Most Valuable Player CJ Perez swept the elimination round. However, they fell to the basketball powerhouse San Beda Red Lions in the finals.
A rematch of the San Beda-Lyceum finals happened in 2018, but the Pirates who ended the elimination round at second seed again fell to the Red Lions.
In 2019, the Pirates turned in another respectable performance, landing in the no. 2 spot, before losing to the eventual champions, the Letran Knights, in the stepladder playoffs.
Outside of the NCAA, meanwhile, the Pirates have also proven themselves, winning the 2017 edition of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League against their finals opponent San Beda.
Aside from basketball, Lyceum also fields athletes in 14 other sports as they continue to prove their standing in the NCAA.
—JMB, GMA News
