MANILA, Philippines--Coach Louie Alas has come to terms with the diminished expectations on the Letran Knights.

"I wouldn't say we're weak, but it just so happens there are a lot of strong teams this year," said Alas. "We just have to keep on working hard. It's better for us not to look at the strong points of our opponents. We'll just see what we can do to improve."

Many owe the drop in the power level of the Knights, last year's runner-up, to the unexpected departure of senior bruiser Bryan Faundo, who was removed from the team due to academic deficiency.

"He's a big loss," admitted Alas. "Without Faundo and (veteran big man) Schubert Reposar, we already lost 20 rebounds. I've been telling the players they have big shoes to fill, so everyone has to compensate."

But the Knights definitely boast a reliable backcourt bannered by junior guard RJ Jazul, who also leads a solid first five with Rey Guevarra, John Melegrito, John Foronda and Dino Daa.

"We'll still use a full court pressure; we'll be a run-and-gun team," said Alas.

"But if I base our performances in the summer leagues, I'm totally disappointed. We didn't take a break right after that. We checked what we need to improve and the strong points we can sustain. In our last three tuneups, I'm very satisfied with the results."

Still, Alas ranked his Knights as a "third seed," behind clear-cut favorite San Beda and four other teams jockeying for second position.

Alas described San Beda as "a cut above the rest" and picked Jose Rizal University, Mapua, San Sebastian and returning Philippine Christian University as strong semifinal contenders.

"We still have a chance to make it to the Final Four," said Alas. "The good thing about college ball is it's unpredictable. At any given night, you can win against the stronger teams."