NCAA: Letran Knights bolster program with six recruits

Letran coach Rensy Bajar with Letran’s new recruits. Photo from Letran

MANILA, Philippines—Letran continued to strengthen its bid for a rare NCAA “four-peat” after gaining the commitments of six blue-chip recruits on Saturday.

Jonas Napalang, James Jumao-as, Shad Chang, Paolo Galvez, Ira Mañas and Nathaniel Montecillo have formally joined the Knights’ program under new coach Rensy Bajar.

“We’re happy with these additions. For us, it’s important to have kids who’re ready to help and fight so Letran can still contend,” Bajar said in Filipino.

Napalang, a 5-foot-11 guard, is one of the most notable names on the list of rookies as he was ranked No. 24 by the NBTC. 

He was the second leading scorer for University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP Season 85 boys’ basketball tournament, averaging 16.7 points per game.

Jumao-as, meanwhile, was a huge piece for University of Santo Tomas in the past season with 13.18 points, 4.09 boards, 1.91 assists and 1.09 steals in the boys’ division.

Chang, meanwhile, was a playmaker for La Salle-Zobel in NCAA’s 98th season, posting norms of 3.93 markers and 2.5 dimes a game.

Galvez and Mañas will both have a crack at playing in the oldest collegiate basketball league for the first time.

All five aforementioned cagers are good to play for Season 99, except for Montecillo, who will have to serve a residency year after transferring from La Salle to Letran.

All rookies look to back up holdovers Kurt Reyson, Paolo Javillonar and Kobe Monje.

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