NCAA Season 99 unfolds September 24

MANILA, Philippines — Letran opens its ambitious four-peat feat against host Jose Rizal University while 2022 runner-up St. Benilde starts a bid to finally win the big one as it faces Lyceum U when Season 99 of NCAA basketball unfolds Sept. 24 at the MOA Arena.

The Knights, who have won the last three championships including a three-game epic over the Blazers last season, are unleashing a completely retooled roster. They will come in with a new coach in Rensy Bajar and six new recruits in Jonas Napalang, James Jumao-as, Shad Chang, Paolo Galvez, Ira Manas and Nathaniel Montecillo.

If the Knights win it all again this season, Letran chalks up a first four-peat in the seniors division and 21st crown overall, one short of San Beda’s record.

For the Blazers, coach Charles Tiu has tapped former Gilas Pilipinas’ Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman as consultant with hopes of steering a team that will have reigning MVP Will Gozum, Miguel Oczon, Miguel Corteza, Prince Carlos, Robi Nayve and Mark Sangco back.

Tiu, however, tries to downplay expectation on his team.

“We’re overrated,” Tiu told The STAR. “It’s been an up and down pre-season for us. We have never won anything so we need to continue to work hard and compete every game and take it one game at a time.”

NCAA management committee chair Paul Supan of JRU said games days will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.