Key holdovers: Pao Javillonar, Kobe Monje, Kevin Santos, Deo Cuajao
Key losses: Kurt Reyson, Neil Guarino, Kint Ariar
Addition: Jimboy Estrada, Jovel Baliling
Season 99 record: 2-16 (9th)
After reaching the highest of highs at a certain point, Colegio de San Juan de Letran endured the lowest of the lows last year when the Knights managed to win just two games in 18 outings in Season 99.
Last season was a rollercoaster ride for the Muralla crew and come NCAA Season 100, the rejigged Knights, who once ruled the men's basketball tourney for three consecutive seasons, would like to get back on top.
Incoming rookie coach Allen Ricardo, however, is well aware that the odds aren't in their favor. But taking it one game at a time is what the underdog Knights need to do for now.
"Actually, kung titignan mo ‘tong Season 100, parang nasa rank between 6 to 10 kami eh," Ricardo told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the NCAA Season 100 press conference.
"Nandyan kasi ‘yung defending champion, ‘yung San Beda. Nandiyan din ang Mapua, Lyceum, St. Benilde, and EAC. Again, we just take it one game at a time."
Only seven holdovers will return for the Knights this centennial season with team captain and graduating big man Pao Javillonar taking on a leadership role.
However, the Knights hit a snag before they even got started.
This as Javillonar is facing a three-game suspension for playing in a Davao game in July with professional club Converge while the team lost rookie Titing Manalili to an injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Still, Ricardo stressed they are prepared to wage war even with a depleted roster.
In fact, the multi-titled high school coach has already found the perfect personnel to fill the void left by Manalili, saying former NAASCU standout Jimboy Estrada as well as Edziel Galoy and Nathan Montecillo can do the playmaking for the Knights.
"Nandyan si Edziel Galoy at tinitignan ko rin si Jimboy Estrada and then si Nathan Montecillo. So sila ‘yung mga possible na pwedeng pumalit kay Jonathan," Ricardo, who steered the Letran Squires to two juniors crowns, added.
Letran is also not lacking with veteran presence with Kobe Monje, Kevin Santos, and Rafael Go — who were part of the last time Letran won a championship in Season 98 — returning to help the Knights regain their winning ways.
Deo Cuajao, the second leading scorer for them last season behind Kurt Reyson, is also tipped to take charge after pouring 12.56 points, 2.39 rebounds, 1.72 assists, and 0.39 steals during their disastrous Season 99 run.
With Manalili out, Letran has gotten a shot in the arm in Jovel Baliling, who was also a product of the Squires that won two consecutive titles over the past two juniors seasons. A sharpshooter with the ability to create for his teammates, the 20-year-old Baliling put together 10.44 markers, 3.67 boards, and 1.67 dimes in Season 99 juniors tilt.
Rounding out Letran's redemption squad are Charles Delfino, Charles Dimaano, James Jumao-as, Joseph Nunag, James Pradella, Mark Sarza, Klein Tagotongan, Christian Vergara, and Jace Miller.
Although he's used to winning in the junior ranks, Ricardo is tempering his expectations given how every team had geared up for the historic season.
"Ito ‘yung best time to cherish the moment at maipakita na ma-redeem niyo ‘yung nangyari from last season. But I can't promise anything. Talagang ang lalakas ng kalaban namin eh."
NCAA Season 100 will open on September 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with the opening ceremonies airing on September 8, 10:05 a.m., on GMA and Heart of Asia.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
