MANILA, Philippines - Reigning NCAA title-holder Letran takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University today, hoping to come up with a winning start under new mentor Jeff Napa in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.
Napa, who steered the National U Bullpups to several UAAP juniors titleS, has taken over the reins of the Muralla-based school after Aldin Ayo moved over to La Salle in the other league after steering the Knights to last year’s championship.
The Knights will also miss the services of Kevin Racal and Mark Cruz, who are now in the pros, leaving Rey Nambatac as the leader with Mcjour Luib, Jomari Sollano, Bong Quinto, Felix Apreku and JP Calvo as backups.
“It’s easy to say we are not as strong since we lost Mark and Kevin,” said Napa. “But we also expect the younger players to step up. They had a year to learn what college basketball is like. Now this is their chance to shine. Aside from the development of the younger players, part of our challenge as well as to make sure that everyone knows their roles and will play that trademark Letran defense.”
The Knights play the Pirates at 11:15 a.m.
In other matches, opening day winners La Salle and UE clash at 2 p.m. while Adamson and Ateneo square off at 4 p.m. The Green Archers fended off late rallies by the Falcons to post a 98-88 win while the Red Warriors rallied from a seven-point deficit with two minutes to play to defeat the Blue Eagles in overtime, 93-91, during the Premier Cup inaugurals last April 30.
In juniors play, LPU and San Beda collide at 9:30 a.m. while the Ateneo Blue Eaglets face their Adamson counterparts at 6 p.m.
Tickets to the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup are available at the Filoil Flying V Centre gate or at Ticketnet.