Lyceum locks up two new talents from high school program

Jasper Matienzo and Peter Mulligan join the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA. –LYCEUM HANDOUT

MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum did its part to not miss out on the collegiate basketball offseason frenzy.

After taking a huge bump in the form of a Shawn Umali departure, the Pirates secured the commitments of two high school standouts from the Junior Pirates in Jasper Matienzo and Peter Mulligan.

“We are delighted that Jasper and Peter have chosen to stay with us. I believe and trust in their capabilities, and they are a great fit for our system,” said Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan on Tuesday.

READ: Lyceum coach not into NCAA having a battle for third place

“It is crucial for us to maintain continuity from grassroots to the senior level. Developing players from the grassroots and teaching them our system will make it easier for them when they reach the senior level.”

Matienzo, a 6-foot-3 forward, led the Junior Pirates in their lowly campaign in NCAA Season 99 with averages of 1.44 points, 4.78 rebounds, 1.89 assists and 1.44 steals per game.

6-foot guard Mulligan, meanwhile, also flashed his talents for Lyceum at the high school level with averages of 6.56 points and 2.67 rebounds per ball game.

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Malabanan hopes the two new Pirates talents can help the squad improve from a fourth place finish last season where they got bounced out of title contention at the hands of San Beda.

Lyceum finished with a 13-5 record at the second seed in the eliminations before falling victim to fourth-seeded College of St. Benilde in the battle for third.