Key losses: Renzo Navarro, Omar Larupay
Key holdovers: Enoch Valdez, Mclaude Guadaña, John Barba, JM Bravo
Season 98 record: 12-6 (third)
Lyceum of the Philippines University proved to be a threat in the previous season, finishing third overall with a 12-6 slate highlighted by a second round shutdown of the Final Four cast of the season before: Letran, Mapua, San Beda, and Perpetual.
But the Pirates are out to show they are more than just that.
Now led by new team captain Enoch Valdez, Lyceum is expected to come in full swing in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament and their mettle will be tested right away as the Gilbert Malabanan-mentored crew will take on De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on the opening day on September 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"Sobrang seryoso ng training namin ngayon kasi 'yung goal namin is to be in the championship this season," Valdez told GMA News Online.
(Our training has been very serious since our goal is to be in the championship.)
Valdez, who was the team's second leading scorer last season, will fill the void left by former skipper Renzo Navarro, who has now made it to the professional ranks after being drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors.
Valdez, though, won't have a problem in terms of support from the team as key holdovers Mclaude Guadaña, John Barba, JM Bravo, and Shawn Umali remain in the fray for the Pirates.
Incoming third year Guadaña was actually Lyceum's top scorer in Season 98 with 11.11 points alongside 2.47 rebounds, 1.79 assists, 1.42 steals, and 0.42 blocks. Valdez, on the other hand, was the top rebounder with 6.95 boards laced with 10.53 markers, 1.42 dimes, and 1.42 steals.
Valdez admitted Navarro's loss is huge for the team, especially with the latter leading their offensive flow last year with 5.33 assists a game, which was the highest across the league.
"Sa offense namin, nabawasan kami ng Renzo so parang may inayos kami sa offense. Iba 'yung Renzo kasi na fast-paced eh," Valdez added.
(In our offense, we lost Renzo so we tweaked a little bit. Renzo is different because he is fast-paced.)
Joining Valdez and the Pirates are other holdovers in Genesis Aviles, Vincent Cunanan, Gyle Montaño, Jearolan Omandac, Simon Peñafiel, Julian Culanay, and Renz Villegas.
Completing the roster are Neil Moralejo, Charles Saure, and John Michael Verzosa.
NCAA Season 99 opens on September 24. Watch the games live on GTV.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
