Key loss: Kent Salado
Key holdovers: Justin Arana, Gelo Sablan, Jade Talampas, Archie Concepcion
Season 95 record: 4-14, finished the eliminations in last place
Arellano University had a gloomy outing in Season 95, racking up only four wins in 18 games to finish last among 10 teams. But the Chiefs are looking to put all that behind them as they march into Season 97 with a rejigged squad.
With coach Cholo Martin still calling the shots, Arellano will be led by mainstay Justin Arana and Gelo Sablan, both of whom are now considered veterans after being one of the youngsters the last time they competed.
The 6-foot-7 Arana was the Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year of Season 95.
Arellano also secured itself a huge boost with the recruitment of Jordan Sta. Ana, who had established himself as a consistent scorer in his stint seeing action in a major collegiate league.
They will be joined by other holdovers in Jade Talampas and Archie Concepcion while newcomers Christian Uri, Joshua Abastillas, and Kobe Caballero and high school recruit Joshua dela Cruz are ready to help the Chiefs end the title drought.
Completing the Arellano roster are John Cayno Carandang, Maui Cruz, Axel Doromal, Arturo Oliva, Stefan Steinl, and Sebastian Valencia.
The Chiefs may have had their share of recent struggles, but they have no plans of staying in the cellar for much longer.
The NCAA Season 97 live games air every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday at 12:00 NN on GTV with replays every Monday and Thursday at 3:00 PM on GTV.
—JMB, GMA News
