By Jerome Lagunzad
Being tipped as a title contender is one thing. Living up to the hype is another.
That explains why Letran coach Jeff Napa is eager to see how the retooled Knights will perform as they make an early buildup for next year’s NCAA seniors basketball tournament.
After falling short in their bid to make it to the Final Four for the second straight year, Letran appears more dangerous than ever with the entry of its touted recruits, led by former University of the East star Bonbon Batiller.
Former St. Benilde big man Christian Fajarito and ex-Green Archer Larry Muyang are set to provide additional heft and height while former Red Warriors stalwart Fran Yu shores up the backcourt rotation, giving the Knights ample help on both ends.
However, it remains to be seen how the four new faces will complement with Letran’s formidable core built around forwards Bong Quinto, Jerrick Balanza, guard JP Calvo and lanky centers Jeo Ambohot and Christian Balagasay.
That’s why Napa, 37, is grateful to have that big chance of finding it out by carrying the colors of Wang’s Basketball, owned by Letran alumnus Alex Wang, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup that gets going on January 18 next year.
“First and foremost, magkakaroon ng chance na mag-jell at ma-improve ‘yung chemistry ng mga bago sa mga mainstays,” he said in a phone interview with Tempo-Manila Bulletin yesterday.
“Gusto kong makita kung paano magko-complement ‘yung mga players sa isa’t isa. Malaking bagay rin kasi ‘yung mapo-provide nila na support kasi last seaosn kinakapos talaga kami. Deeper na ‘yung bench namin ngayon.”
