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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Junior Altas brace for tough title defense

Junior Altas brace for tough title defense

Published Sep 5, 2025 05:12 pm

At A Glance

  • With the departure of its former star player Lebron Jhames Daep, University of Perpetual Help braces for a tougher juniors season ahead with only a little time to spare before the NCAA Season 101 opens on Oct. 1.
The line-up of the defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas that will compete in the NCAA Season 101 which opens on October 1, 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. (Dennis Abrina)
The line-up of the defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas that will compete in the NCAA Season 101 which opens on October 1, 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. (Dennis Abrina)
With the departure of its former star player Lebron Jhames Daep, University of Perpetual Help braces for a tougher juniors season ahead with only a little time to spare before the NCAA Season 101 opens on Oct. 1.
Almost five months after winning their historic championship with a dominant 101-67 win over De La Salle Green Hills in Game 3, the Junior Altas could only savor their crown for a short while as they plunge deep into their preparations for a big title defense.
"We need to win every practice and game, I believe in the kids, they give their best every day and every game, I cannot promise that the result will come,” said Cebuano coach Joph Cleopas.
Though Daep already completed his duties with the squad, mainstays Louie Rosales, Kurt Velasquez, Lance Nitura, Jim Corpuz, Keanne Zanoria, Ezekiel Zamoras, Hanz Candido and Kurt Patalinghug are projected to spearhead the pack along with the new recruits.
Another challenge for Perpetual is the new format of the league which moved the juniors basketball in the first semester to go side by side with the seniors category.
"We will take one game at the time, adjust to what we can adjust, study the opponents and do the things that are capable of our team and players,” Cleopas continued.
Perpetual is in Pool A alongside Mapua, Lyceum, San Sebastian, and Arellano, while Pool B has Letran San Beda, LSGH, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Jose Rizal University.
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