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