MANILA, Philippines—Extending a dynasty is a daunting task, especially with a squad bannered by greenhorns in an extremely competitive league like the Philippine Basketball League.

But officials of five-time defending champion Harbour Centre, led by owner Mikee Romero and coach Jorge Gallent, Wednesday expressed optimism that the Batang Pier will remain a force in the amateur league with their never-say-die spirit and tireless work ethic.

“We have 10 new players but once they begin wearing the black and red Harbour Centre jersey, the never-say-die attitude always comes to life,” said Romero. “That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

With the exodus of stars Jason Castro, Solomon Mercado, Beau Belga, Jonathan Fernandez, Jeff Chan, Chad Alonzo, Al Vergara and TY Tang, Harbour tapped the core of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws to represent its squad in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup starting Nov. 8 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Batang Pier also loaned key players Dylan Ababou and Chester Taylor to Magnolia-UST as part of the PBL’s adopt-a-school program, leaving the team with three holdovers from its champion squad that won a fifth straight title last June.

Back to power the Batang Pier are National University’s Edwin Asoro and veterans Jerwin Gaco and Boyet Bautista.

De La Salle University’s Rico Maierhofer and Reed Juntilla, who left Red Bull from the PBA, have also returned to help Harbour.

“This season would be a test and a challenge for us,” team manager Erick Arejola said.

Romero, also the current PBL chairman, believes Harbour’s bid of a sixth straight title will greatly hinge on how fast and how well the 10 rookies will adjust to the team’s system.

Harbour acquired FEU players JR Cawaling, the 2007 UAAP Rookie of the Year, point guard Andy Barroca, Benedict Fernandez, Paul Sanga and big men Reil Cervantes and Aldrech Ramos.

Also joining the Batang Pier are 6-foot-5 Fil-Am Nick Stephens from Holy Name University in Oakland, Raffy Reyes of University of the East, the La Salle duo of Bader Malabes and Peejay Barua and 6-foot-7 ACSAT center Erik Suguitan.

FEU coach Glenn Capacio has been added to the Harbour coaching staff, while Junel Baculi will remain as consultant.