Key losses: Jielo Razon, Jun Roque, Cyrus Nitura, Mark Denver Omega
Key holdovers: Christian Pagaran, John Abis, JP Boral
Additions: Mark Gojo Cruz, Ruvic Danag, Justin Thompson
Season 99 record: 10-8 (5th)
It's going to be a youth movement for University of Perpetual Help System DALTA when the Altas unfurl a new campaign in NCAA Season 100.
After waving goodbye to a plethora of big talents from its Season 99 run, Perpetual will turn to young and promising cagers tipped to deliver the goods for Olsen Racela in his NCAA coaching debut.
The hype is already around the rookie tandem of Mark Gojo Cruz and Ruvic Danag, who both turned heads in the NCAA juniors ranks when they were still leading Perpetual and San Sebastian, respectively.
Gojo Cruz, a 20-year-old 6-foot ultra athletic guard, made the most of his lone year with the Junior Altas by steering the squad to its breakthrough finals appearance while winning the Rookie of the Year plum and Mythical Five inclusion in the process.
Danag, meanwhile, was a pure scorer who can burst with 30-point outings anytime. The 19-year-old cager did exactly that when he exploded for 34 points for the Staglets against Arellano just last February.
And come their seniors debut, there would be no slowing down for the duo.
"Sa tingin ko dito ‘yung magfi-fit ako and then parang gusto ko rin maging under kay Coach O kasi idol ko po si Coach O and ng mga teammates ko," Danag said.
"Pagdating ko sa Perpetual, winelcome nila ako and maganda ‘yung pakikisama dito."
But while these two are quite the must-watch for Perpetual, the Altas aren't lacking with veterans.
Returning for his fourth year is Christian Pagaran. He was the team's top scorer last year, dropping 13.11 per game together with 5.06 rebounds, 1.11 steals, 1.0 assists, and 1.06 blocks as they racked up 10 wins, including seven in the second round, to wind up fifth overall.
Helping Pagaran carry the fight for the Las Piñas crew are steady all-around forward in John Abis and high-leaping big man JP Boral, who will lead the holdovers that also have Angelo Gelsano, Richard Movida, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, and Nat Sevilla.
Completing Perpetual's centennial lineup are Scottie Thompson's younger brother Justin as well as Ralph Cauguiran, Axlrose Javier, Axl Manuel, Bryan Manuel, Bryle Masacariñas, Henry Montemayor, and Emmanuel Pizzaro.
This youthful yet encouraging lineup is what Racela is banking on in his first NCAA coaching stint.
This after Racela's signing as the new Perpetual head coach was met with the exit of pretty much their core led by Jun Roque, Cyrus Nitura, Mark Denver Omega, and Carlo Ferreras while veteran guard Jielo Razon had already exhausted his playing years.
Still, with Racela's wealthy coaching resume and players eager to bring Perpetual to the top, the Altas remain as one of the easy favorites come Season 100.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
