By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Perpetual Help eyes a piece of history when it guns for its first-ever juniors title in the NCAA Season 100 which fires off on Feb. 18.
After falling short of clinching the elusive crown, the Junior Altas shoot for redemption even with the departure of last season’s key players in Most Valuable Player Amiel Acideo and Rookie of the Year Mark Gojo Cruz.
Acido and Gojo Cruz were key cogs in Perpetual’s first finals appearance since 1985 only to lose to the Letran Squires led by Titing Manalili and Koronadal’s Syrex Silorio for a bridesmaid finish.
Even without the two though, the Junior Altas are enjoying some success in the preseason although head coach Joph Cleopas is reminding his players to not get too carried away, knowing full well the real battle still lies ahead.
“In every game, we learned, this win of ours is a test of our character. I told them, don’t be overwhelmed by our victories, be happy but don’t give your full emotions here, remember we are doing this for our main tournament, the NCAA,” Cleopas said
“Don’t lose your hunger in each game, focus on the goal and stay hungry,” he added.
Perpetual is expected to bank on Lebron Jhames Daep, Aries Borja, Kelsey Baldoria, Icee Callangan, JD Pagulayan, Jericho Cristino, Jan Roluna, TJ Tabbuan and Lance Nitura.
They will welcome six new faces including two Batang Gilas in Kurt Velasquez and Louie Rosales.
During the off-season last year, the Junior Altas reigned supreme in the NGBL Championship after beating the NU Bullpups in finals’ sudden death, while also ruling the Under Armor Invitational and Junior MPBL U-18 class.