Altas for NCAA Season 101: An exciting mix

MANILA, Philippines — An exciting mix An exciting 18-man lineup to chase an elusive NCAA men’s basketball crown has just been released by Perpetual Help coach Olsen Racela.

Co-captains John Abis and Patrick Sleat, along with holdovers John Paul Boral, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, Angelo Gelsano, Mark Derick Gojo Cruz and Emman Pizarro banner the Altas who are all upbeat for their campaign in NCAA Season 101 that commences Oct. 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The troops of team manager Anton Tamayo make their season debut versus the San Sebastian Stags on Oct. 3 at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.

Also eligible to play for the Las Piñas City-based collegiate squad are Kevin Guibao from FEU, LA Casinillo from NU, JM Talabut, Josh Alcantara and Allen Maglupay from UE and brothers Kenji Duremdes and Kylle Magdangal from UST after going through a one-year residence period.

“We are now in the final phase of our buildup, training, conditioning and familiarization with our set plays,” said Racela.

“Since umalis ako ng FEU at lumipat dito sa Perpetual, nag-start na kami ng team training while we are in residency period. Sumali kami sa mga off-season leagues, at marami kaming natutunan going into the season. Nag-prepare ng mind, body as a team, ready and confident naman,” said Sleat, another new recruit.

The lineup also includes 6-foot-7 rookie Aries Borja, JD Pagulayan, and Jan Roluna from the defending champion Junior Altas. Jericho Cristino and Kelsey Baldoria were initially placed in Team B along with TJ Tabbuan.

The Altas will continue to be supported by sponsors F2 Logistics and World Balance apparels, the team’s partners for a third consecutive season.