MANILA, Philippines — From a runner-up finish last season, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas are hopeful on going to the top in the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament that kicks off Feb. 18.
Head coach Joph Cleopas will have a solid squad to be led by holdovers from last year’s squad led by twin towers Lebron Jhames Daep and Aries Borja along with Kelsey Baldoria, Icee Callangan, JD Pagulayan, Jericho Cristino, Jan Roluna, TJ Tabbuan and Lance Nitura.
Joining the fold are six rookies in Kurt Velasquez and Louie Rosales from the Batang Gilas, Felix Corpuz and Hanz Llupar from Cebu, Kurt Patalinghug from Lapu Lapu City and Renzo Zanoria from Cebu City.
The Las Piñas-based school is perked-up by their pre-season achievements, including championships in the NGBL and in the Junior MPBL.
“For me, the titles we got during the off-season, the NGBL, Under Armor Invitational Championship and Junior MPBL are just batteries of our team to correct our mistakes whether it’s losing or winning,” said Cleopas.
“In every game, we learned. I told our players not to be overwhelmed by our victories, be happy but don’t give your full emotions here. Remember we are doing this for our main tournament, the NCAA. Don’t lose your hunger in each game, focus on the goal and stay hungry,” Cleopas also said.