Key losses: Dani Mallari, Lars Sunga, Jade Talampas, Joshua Abastillas
Holdovers: Lorenz Capulong, T-Mc Ongotan, Basti Valencia, Ernjay Geronimo
Additions: Mav Vinoya, Dre Miller
Season 99 Record: 2-16 (10th)
In its second year under head coach Chico Manabat, Arellano University hopes to pull off some surprises in NCAA Season 100.
However, new names are expected to shine as the Chiefs eye a better performance this season.
"Sa term nga ni Coach Chico, nakaisang cycle na kami sa kanya kaya kumbaga sobrang familiar na kami sa system niya. As in lahat ng ensayo, pinapaikot ang plays, tactics," team captain Basti Valencia told GMA News Online.
Coming in the new-look Chiefs squad are Mav Vinoya, formerly from Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Dre Miller, the son of former PBA star Willie Miller.
On top of those names, holdovers such as Lorenz Capulong and T-Mc Ongotan will return for the league's centennial season.
Valencia believes these names, along with Manabat's system, will make the Chiefs a competitive squad.
"Para sa akin, sobrang competitive itong team na binuo nina coach kasi lahat kaya mag-contribute. Kahit sinong mag-contribute, laban kaya feeling ko, ito na 'yung team na makaka-over sa hump," Valencia said.
"Para sa akin, iba-iba, kahit sinong ipasok mo every game, may iaambag. Parang 'di mo alam kung sinong magiging leading scorer kada game. Ganun ang team namin ngayon dahil nga sa system ni Coach Chico kaya mas maganda na rin, nakakatulong lahat sa team," he added.
NCAA Season 100 will open on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The opening ceremony will air on Sunday on GMA and Heart of Asia.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
