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Bonnie Tan banks on veteran presence as Letran sets lofty goals in Season 98

Sports | Basketball

Bonnie Tan banks on veteran presence as Letran sets lofty goals in Season 98

By Carlo Anolin

It may seem too far away from now but Letran head coach Bonnie Tan wants to win as many games as possible to be able to secure a slot in the semifinals in the men's basketball tournament of the NCAA Season 98.

Letran Knights (NCAA-GMA)

The Knights began their bid for a three-peat after taking down Jose Rizal University 101-97 in overtime Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.

"Personally, ang objective ko is to win as many games as possible. Alam naman namin na ang goal is to reach the semis," said Tan.

"But again, with half of the team composed of rookie players, definitely we'll have a lot of struggles and challenges."

And fortunately for their first win of the season, the likes of Kurt Reyson, King Caralipio, Brent Paraiso, and former NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player Fran Yu stepped up being the veterans that they are against the gritty Heavy Bombers.

Reyson posted a game-high performance of 31 points, five rebounds, and five assists, Caralipio tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Paraiso and Yu contributed 13 and 12 points.

For the two-time NCAA champion coach, their opening game performance goes to show that their influence as seasoned players for the Knights will prove to be instrumental for the newcomers.

At some point, Letran, being a back-to-back champion, easily poses lots of expectations not only for the players but also for other contenders.

"'Di ko rin alam bakit kami sa mga analysts naka-rank sa Final Four. Talagang siguro sabi ko nga sa mga veterans, nag-base siguro sila sa mga iniwan. Hindi dahil sa mga pre-season," said Tan. "So sana 'wag niyo sila i-turn down or mapahiya sa pagra-rank nila na kayo 'yong contender."

With the first win, the Knights are slowly finding their groove once more after the departure of key player in Rhenz Abando, last season's rookie-MVP who is now playing in the Korean Basketball League.

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