University of Perpetual Help will count on 6-foot-5 Filipino-British Max Maurice and UK-based 6-foot-3 wingman Daniel Okeowo as it eyes a strong run in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) juniors basketball tournament later this year.
The tournament opens on September 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Coach Joph Cleopas, who led the team to the championship in Season 100, is hoping for a stronger finish this time after the Altas exited at the quarterfinal stage, at the hands of eventual champions Letran Squires, last year.
Joining the 16-year-old Maurice and Okeowo, 17, is former Batang Gilas player Sizco Roquid, 18, 6-foot-2, from Biñan.
Other new additions are Keith Sabuco, 18, a 6-foot-4 player from Eastern Samar; Brian Orca Jr. 17, from Olongapo, from Olongapo City; Kevin Castro, 16, from Binmaley, Pangasinan; and Adrian Faustino, 16, from Austria.
The new players are filling up the posts vacated by Jim Corpuz, Kurt Velasquez and Renzo Zanoria-who are now in the seniors’ team pool-as well as Hanz Llupar, Lance Nitura, Pertjude Binagatan and Cristito Ferrer, all of whom have completed the high school program.
The eight holdovers are Louie Rosales, Kurt Patalinghug, Ezekiel Zamoras, Lord Dulanas, Arkin Cristobal, Sam Villaruel, John Restificar Francis Rosales and Josh Saga.