THE Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates showed maturity and confidence in their off-season preparations.
Pirates’ coach Topex Robinson made this observation as the team gets ready for the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball season set July 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Right now, we’re really focusing on the now. Wherever our winning takes us is really going to be a blessing for us,” said Robinson.
Transferee CJ Perez, a journeyman who hopped from San Sebastian College to Ateneo before landing in the Pirates’ camp in recent years, is in the squad.
“We’re really working hard and having guys committed to really win. CJ is there to really help us,” said Robinson.
Perez is expected to lend his experience with Cameroonian Mike Harry Nzeusseu and the talented twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino.
Nzeusseu is a 6’5” forward, who played college ball from Cebu before bringing his act to the Pirates last year.
The Olongapo-based Marcelinos are combo guards, who came in from Adamson.
With their presence, the Pirates are expected to have an energetic season.
And this is good for a team which has never placed as high as sixth since it joined the league six years ago.
Their talented roster has observers tagging them this early as a legitimate contenders.
LPU also got sweet-shooting Spencer Pretta, who came in from San Sebastian.
They will complement an already seasoned roster composed of team captain Jasper Ayaay, Wilson Baltazar and Reymar Caduyac.