There’s a reason why Letran is tagged as the favorites to retain the men's basketball title in Season 97.
Boasting a roster that still features Season 95 Finals Most Valuable Player Fran Yu and prized additions Rhenz Abando and Brent Paraiso, the Knights are coming in strong, at least on paper, in its title-retention bid.
However, head coach Bonnie Tan is tempering expectations for the Knights although the team is hard-pressed in translating their potential into success on the court despite starting their training late in January.
Tan is optimistic the transferees from España can catch up with the team’s cohesion since they are ‘very coachable’.
“’Yung experience nila will be a big part ng team this coming season. Not pressuring them kasi bago sila. They just practiced end of January and February, ‘yung jelling pa eh ang hirap makuha ng five-six weeks palang,” said the champion coach.
“Not even sure kung maconsider na nating jelling ‘yun pero di ko pa nakikita yung full potential.”
Aside from the newcomers, Tan also has a lot of expectations from Yu especially in taking the leadership role for the defending champions after the departure of Jerrick Balanza, Larry Muyang and Bonbon Batiller.
“Mas vocal siya ngayon kasi dati may mas senior sa kanya, it’s all up to the senior eh sa magli-lead sa team. He stepped up naman in terms of leadership,” Tan said of Yu.
“Sabi ko sa kanya maraming mga batang maa-outplay siya this coming season so kailangan niya mag double effort kasi for sure maraming lalabas na mga bata, mas mabilis mas malaki mas magaling.”
A lot are also expected from holdovers Jeo Ambohot, King Caralipio, Kurt Reyson, Paolo Javillionar, and Christian Fajarito.
Letran launches its campaign against College of St. Benilde on Saturday, March 26 at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.