THE chase for a three-peat is on for Letran, as it pumped the brakes on Lyceum in the opening day of the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball tournament before succumbing to retooled Mapua two days later.

After Andy Gemao made noise back in Season 98 and Titing Manalili made waves come Season 99, the two - alongside George Diamante - are no longer there to defend their title.

PHOTO: NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports

As such, the Squires are expected to unleash a new breed of stars under the watchful eye of new head coach Willie Miller - whether that be promising prospects Syrex Silorio and Daniel Padilla or talented transferee Daryl Valdeavilla.

Safe to say, the blue-and-red is looking inward within the Walls of Intramuros to continue its contention.

“I stick with the team itself. Kung ano yung meron, yun na yung papalaruin. ‘Di ako mahilig sa kuha nang kuha, bili nang bili katulad ng ibang coaches,” said Miller, who was once hailed as NCAA Rookie of the Year while playing for Letran.

“Ang gusto ko, maglalaro para sa team, hindi maglalaro para sa pera and allowance. I’m trying to change yung culture ng basketball na pumapangit na.”

In recent history, the collegiate basketball wars have expanded onto a new battleground - with the juniors divisions of the NCAA and UAAP now generally being seen as key pieces to the puzzle of continued contention.

What was once the specialty of the likes of San Beda in the NCAA (Baser Amer, Javee Mocon) and Far Eastern University (Terrence Romeo, RJ Abarrientos) in the UAAP has become a must.

Now more than ever, seniors squads are looking to their juniors brothers for new blood that will pump life to the program not only for one to two seasons, but onwards.

As they parade new rising stars who will not only help in their title defense, but also - hopefully - get promoted to Knights, the Squires are making it a point to temper expectations of winning a third consecutive championship.

As Miller expressed, “Di naman nakakatakot matalo. ‘Pag natakot ka, lalo ka matatalo. ‘Pag pinressure mo sarili mo, kung championship kaagad yung nakatingin ka, talo ka agad.”

“So you take it one game at a time. Kung ano mangyayari, then you adjust. Parang yung sinasabi kong adjustment ng players, yun din adjustment ng coach.”

PHOTO: NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports

With the absence of familiar faces and the obvious adjustment period for its season-opening games, Letran is relying on its homegrown products to stay afloat.

And with Miller as fresh captain of the ship, it's going to be a thrill ride - one game at a time - for the Squires.

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