Letran Knights seek redemption in NCAA Season 101 title hunt

There was a time when Letran and winning were almost synonymous. The Knights made their mark in NCAA lore with dynastic brilliance, clinching championships in Seasons 95, 97, and 98, and becoming one of the most storied programs in the league.

Yet recent seasons have been unkind. Across Seasons 99 and 100, Letran mustered only 10 wins from 36 elimination games, missing the Final Four in both. 

Now, under second-year head coach Allen Ricardo, the Knights are out to reclaim their mantle. With a blend of seasoned core players and fresh recruits, they believe they have the pieces to mount a serious title challenge.

Leading the returnees are Jimboy Estrada, Kevin Santos, and Deo Cuajao, players who embody experience, grit, and institutional pride. Their leadership will be crucial in steadying the ship and setting tone in pivotal moments.

The infusion of new blood is equally intriguing. Rookie guard Jonathan Manalili arrives with high expectations, while transfers Mark Denver Omega and Jun Roque bring additional depth and versatility to bolster the rotation. 

Also joining the fray are Peter Rosillo, Luiz Tapenio, and a group of role players including John Alejandro, Jovel Baliling, Aaro Buensalida, Lorge Gammad, Alex Gazzingan, Nat Montecillo, Edvil Mundas, Joss Poli, Syrex Silorio, and Elijah Yusi.

If integration runs smoothly, the blend of maturity and fresh legs could give Letran a sharper, more adaptive roster than season’s past.

Letran enters NCAA Season 101 as part of Group B, where they will face tough competition against Benilde, San Beda, Jose Rizal University, and Emilio Aguinaldo College. 

With only three teams advancing to the crossover quarterfinals, every game carries significant weight, leaving little room for error. To stay competitive, the Knights will rely heavily on their veterans—Jimboy Estrada, Kevin Santos, and Deo Cuajao—for leadership and stability, while also expecting immediate contributions from newcomers like Jonathan Manalili, Mark Denver Omega, and Jun Roque. 

Consistency throughout the eliminations will be key, as early losses could derail their campaign. Balancing offensive firepower with defensive discipline, maximizing bench depth, and sharpening their ability to close out tight contests will define whether the Knights can rise again. 

However, the challenge is steep: adjusting to new rotations, integrating rookies quickly, and competing in a stacked group that features perennial contenders like San Beda and Benilde means Letran must show both resilience and adaptability if they hope to return to title contention.

Letran isn’t the top favorite in Season 101, but they are anything but irrelevant. In Group B, the path is narrow, but their tradition, roster upgrades, and coaching continuity give them a legitimate shot at a deep run.

Should they finish among the top in their group, survive the crossover rounds, and peak at the right moment, a championship is possible. 

The question is whether the new parts blend fast enough—and whether the veteran core can push the Knights past the threshold that’s eluded them the past two seasons.