Altas debut vs Pirates; Knights duel Blazers

TOUGHENED by losses in the last three season’s Final Four wars, the Perpetual Help Altas feel that this could finally be their year in NCAA basketball.

With reigning MVP Earl Scott Thompson aided by a stronger supporting cast in his final year of eligibility, the Altas hope to get off to a positive start when they clash with the Lyceum Pirates at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Thompson’s confidence is soaring after a banner year that saw him play for champion fives in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association  and SEA Games tournaments.

But he won’t be alone in carrying the Altas. Tall and talented reinforcements Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze have been tapped by coach Aric del Rosario.

At 6 feet 8 and armed with a strong offensive game, Akhuetie has the tools to dominate in the league, while the 6-11 Eze is also a solid option underneath.

“We’re blessed to have players like them,” Del Rosario said of the pair.

The Pirates underwent a coaching change during the off-season with former San Sebastian mentor Topex Robinson replacing Bonnie Tan. Robinson will have former NCAA and PBA star Rommel Adducul as lead assistant.

Lyceum has the size to match up with Perpetual with Joseph Gabayni, Jebb Bulawan, Seraja Elmejrab and the African duo of Guy Mbida and Jean Victor Nguidjol expected to carry the fight.

“Although we have some remnants from last year’s team, this is a team with a brand-new outlook,” said Robinson.

Letran squares off with College of St. Benilde at 4 p.m.

With co-captain Kevin Racal returning from a ligament injury, the Knights retained their strong core made up of Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac.

Letran coach Aldin Ayo will get his baptism of fire as replacement for Caloy Garcia.

Jonathan Grey will lead the Blazers, who lost Mark Romero and Juan Paolo Taha to the pros.

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