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Letran seeks fourth straight NCAA title

Sports | Basketball

Letran seeks fourth straight NCAA title

By Manila Bulletin Sports

At A Glance

All eyes will be on reigning champion Letran when it tries to extend its dominance in the 99th season of the NCAA which kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

By MARK REY MONTEJO

All eyes will be on reigning champion Letran when it tries to extend its dominance in the 99th season of the NCAA which kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Kurt Reyson.jpeg — Kurt Reyson of Letran (NCAA-GMA)

Pressure is heavy on the shoulders of new Knights head coach Rensy Bajar as the three-peat winning squad deals with the departure of King Caralipio, Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, Tommy Olivario and Louie Sangalang.

“Sinasabi ko sa mga bata na kailangan every practice may i-improve tayo, chemistry-wise,” Bajar said in Thursday's press conference attended by the 10 competing teams.

Bajar signed a two-year deal with Letran and became the successor of Bonnie Tan who guided the team to three consecutive titles, the recent one against Benilde in three thrilling finals games.

The Knights will lean on skipper Kurt Reyson and Paolo Javillonar in their attempt to fend off the challenge from the Blazers, who has Will Gozum leading the charge, and head coach Charles Tiu and notable mentor Rajko Toroman calling the shots from the sidelines.

With James Canlas and JB Bahio also leaving Mendiola, the San Beda Red Lions seek to bounce back with Fil-Canadian Jomel Puno and Colin Dimaculangan manning the offense.

Opening the hostilities on Sunday are games between Letran and host Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m., and Benilde against Lyceum at 5:30 p.m.

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