LAS PINAS CITY — The groundwork laid by coach Joph Cleopas for the Junior Altas will be put to the test as of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta takes on defending champion Letran to jumpstart its campaign in Season 102 of the NCAA juniors basketball tournament on Sept. 15 at the FilOil Arena in San Juan City.
Cleopas will field a squad composed of nine new off-season recruits and nine holdovers from last season's lineup to do battle against the league's nine other teams.
Cleopas is counting on team captain Louie Rosales to lead the squad, alongside fellow veterans and graduating players Kurt Patalinghug and Cacai Zamoras.
The team’s other holdovers are Francis Rosales, Lord Dulanas, Sam Villaruel, Arkin Cristobal, Vandolf Urdaneta and John Restificar.
Also prepared to make an impact are prized recruits Cisco Roquid, Daniel Okeowo, Keith Sabuco, Bryna Orca Jr., Gabe Tan, Raymark Madaya, Derek Belan, and 6-foot-5 Max Maurice from the United Kingdom.
The Junior Altas won its first NCAA crown two years ago but faltered with a sixth-place finish last season.
This time, Cleopas is aiming to at least return to the final four.
