Letran Knights out of NCAA Season 98 opening day due to COVID-19

The jubilant Knights and their supporters whoop it up with the Season 97 trophy. They get another go at a title later this year.
—NCAA/GMA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—What was set to be an opening day clash between the host and defending champion turned out to be a delayed plan after several Letran players tested positive for COVID-19.

The Knights will now begin their season on Sept. 14 against Jose Rizal University. They will face host Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Oct. 11.

“Several of our basketball players contracted COVID-19,”  said Letran’s athletic director Fr. Vic Calvo, O.P. during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

“I guess we were still celebrating our back-to-back championships that we forgot there’s still Covid,” he added jokingly.

The Knights were set to face the host school on Saturday. Instead, the Generals will take on the Arellano Chiefs, who will be without star big man Justin Arana, in the opener.

Calvo, however, reassured the team’s supporters that they will be more attentive in following health protocols, especially with a huge task of defending their title at hand.

“At the end of the day, the individual response to Covid will be important for us and this tournament.”

The Knights will try to gain a three-peat with key holdovers Brent Paraiso, Fran You, Tommy Olivario and King Caralipio.