New coach, almost same system for NCAA dynasty-seeking Knights

MANILA, Philippines -- There are just minimal adjustments to the current system of the Letran Knights even if the four-peat-seeking team is being handled by a new coach.

The team, which won the NCAA men’s basketball championship in the past three years, is now being handled by head coach Rensy Bajar.

Bajar took over from Bonnie Tan, who is currently the head coach NorthPort in the PBA.

Bajar told reporters that he is employing the same system used by Tan in the past, but with little tweaks.

“I am still using the same system, but I added some, especially on defense,” he said in Filipino.

The new coach bared that they are trying a more transition-heavy system this time around.

“More on running, pressure defense and on offense, I added more to our transition game,” Bajar said.

For his part, Letran team captain Kurt Reyson said they are not adjusting a lot especially since Bajar has been with the team since 2019.

There are some changes, but the team still has the same run-and-gun principle as before.

“The past three seasons, our players were almost all veterans… Now, there are some who came from high school,” Reyson said in a separate interview.

“Coach Rensy added some [parts] to the system. He mixed the system for those coming from high school and those for veterans,” he added.

A bulk of the three-peat team has left the team after being selected in the PBA draft.These are Louie Sangalang, Brent Paraiso, Tommy Olivario, Fran Yu and last season’s Finals MVP King Caralipio.

Bajar said they are counting on other key players such as Pao Javillonar and the returning Ira Bataller to fill the void.

He also cites incoming rookie Deo Cuajao as a solid player who's reliable on both sides of the court.

“Although he is a rookie this season, he is one of those we are eyeing to get production from, both in points and defense,” the coach said.