Published October 5, 2025 8:45am
Updated October 5, 2025 8:45am
NCAA Season 101. October 3, 2025. Perpetual Junior ALTAs head coach Joph Cleopas. (Photo: NCAA)
They may be the defending champions of the NCAA juniors basketball tournament, but for University of Perpetual Help System DALTA head coach Joph Cleopas, they are also underdogs in their own ways.
The Junior ALTAs opened their title defense with a 78–61 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos last Friday, just months removed from winning the Season 100 title last April.
The Las Piñas crew, however, will not have their old reliables such as Lebron Jhames Daep, JD Pagulayan, Jan Roluna, and Icee Callangan, among others, as they have moved on to their respective teams in the collegiate division.
“We need to accept the fact na maraming nawala kasi ganun din ang ibang teams,” Cleopas said.
“As a coach, challenge sa amin na magturo ulit, back to square one, and we are underdog talaga. Lalaban kami with what we have right now.”
For Cleopas, the new season means a new challenge, thus their underdog mentality.
“This year will be everybody’s ball game. Who’s more disciplined, hard working, who wants it more? Dun mapupunta ‘yun,” he said.
Admittedly, Cleopas said their celebration of the title was cut short due to the change in calendar, but it is what it is.
“We want another one, God-willing. Tatrabahuhin lang namin ‘to.”
Perpetual will return to action on Sunday morning against Lyceum of the Philippines University.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
