The Lyceum Pirates will have a more experienced roster in Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
The Pirates’ core of six veterans is expected to provided the needed leadership to boost Lyceum’s bid to get back to the finals this year.
“I know naman na we have the potential kasi sobrang lakas ng lineup namin ngayon,” said team skipper Enoch Valdez of the Gilbert Malabanan-coached Pirates.
The Pirates have established a winning tradition since entering the league in 2014 and are considered as a perennial contender in the NCAA men’s basketball competitions.
Their first finals’ stint in 2017 transformed the image of the Pirates as among the tournament favorites.
Valdez is expected to be supported by frontliners John Barba, JM Bravo, Vince Cunanan, Mclaude Guadana, and Shawn Umali.
The Pirates have since fought for the crown twice in 2017 and 2018, and have been in the Final Four thrice after that.
Season 99 will start on September 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with last years’ runners-up College of Saint Benilde taking on the Pirates at 5:30 p.m.
“New Heroes of the Game” serves as the theme for the coming NCAA season, which will be hosted by Jose Rizal University. Peter Atencio