LPU Pirates reload behind Barba, aim for NCAA Season 101 Finals

AtoBarba GyleMontaño SimonPeñafiel RenzVillegas LPUPirates NCAA basketball

The Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates are once again setting sail for another NCAA campaign, ready to prove that their semifinal run last season was no fluke. 

With a mix of proven veterans, emerging talents, and an MVP-caliber leader, the Pirates enter Season 101 eager to reassert themselves among the league’s contenders.

The Pirates won’t have the services of three familiar faces this year. JM Bravo has turned his attention to the professional ranks, Greg Cunanan has closed the book on his collegiate career, and Mclaude Guadaña is sidelined due to injury. These absences create notable gaps on both ends of the floor, particularly in experience and stability.

Yet the Pirates are no strangers to transition. In fact, they see this as an opportunity for other names to step into the spotlight.

The heart of Lyceum’s attack is still Ato Barba—and he enters the season with even more motivation. 

After going undrafted in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, Barba has chosen to use the setback as fuel rather than frustration. At 25, the 6-foot-2 guard remains determined to pursue his basketball dream, and his final year with LPU is the perfect stage to remind everyone what he can do.

Barba has already proven he belongs among the NCAA’s elite. He finished second in scoring last season with 17.6 points per game, powering the Pirates to their third straight Final Four appearance. 

His stellar play earned him a spot in the Mythical Five, where he shared the honor with MVP Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot of Benilde, Clint Escamis of Mapúa, and Tristan Felebrico of San Sebastian.

His rise, however, didn’t just start in the seniors’ division. Back in Season 95, Barba was named NCAA Juniors MVP while leading the Junior Pirates, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s brightest prospects even before making the jump to college.

Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates
LPU PIRATES
PHOTO COURTESY: NCAA Philippines

Now, with his final NCAA season on deck, Barba is set to lead a core group that includes Gyle Montaño, Simon Peñafiel, Renz Villegas, and Michael Versoza, all under the guidance of head coach Gilbert Malabanan. 

With his scoring prowess, leadership, and hunger to prove himself, Barba could very well be the difference-maker in Lyceum’s bid to finally break its Finals drought.

Meanwhile, rising contributors Jonathan Daileg and Michael Versoza—two of last year’s biggest surprises—are being primed for even larger roles. Their development could be the Pirates’ X-factor in keeping their semifinal hopes alive.

Under the NCAA’s new group-stage format, LPU finds itself in Group A with Arellano, Mapúa, San Sebastian, and Perpetual. Only three squads per group advance to the crossover quarterfinals, with the top two earning twice-to-beat protection. 

For Lyceum, that means consistency is key. Every group game carries weight, and slip-ups could be costly.

The Pirates’ recipe for success is clear: let Barba take command, get steady output from the veterans, and lean on their depth to cover for missing stars. 

Their semifinal experience in Season 100 gives them confidence, but their growth will be measured in how well they finish games and handle high-pressure situations.

With Barba leading the charge and a strong supporting cast behind him, the Pirates have enough firepower and resilience to remain in the Final Four picture. While the road to the championship is filled with heavyweights like Mapúa and Benilde, LPU has all the tools to play spoiler or even shock the league with another deep run.

The Pirates are not just here to compete. They are here to prove that despite the challenges, their ship is still sailing strong toward NCAA Season 101 glory.

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