LETRAN welcoming three former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers cemented the Knights' status as the undisputed team to beat in the NCAA.
Fran Yu, however, warned championships are not won on paper.
"Maguumpisa pa rin yan sa practice, kung paano namin harapin yung isa't isa sa ensayo," said last year's Finals MVP a day after Letran formally welcomed former University of Santo Tomas Tigers Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, and Ira Bataller.
"Doon namin malalabas yung tunay naming laro, tapos susunod na lang doon yung maipapakita namin sa games. Sa amin naman, basta gawin pa din at sundin pa din namin yung gameplan ni coach, magiging ok kami."
Yu understands the excitement at Letran, knowing fully well the pedigree of these new additions.
"Syempre excited tayo kasi alam ko na makakatulong sila sa team," the 22-year-old said.
But with the buildup comes pressure. The Knights, who won last year's title with a Cinderella run capped by a victory over San Beda in the finals, will no longer be the underdogs.
The hunters have just become the hunted, Yu said.
"Walang guarantee," said the 5-foot-10 playmaker. "Lahat gusto kaming patumbahin, so kailangan naming gawin ang best namin every practice and every game."
As for the three new boys, Yu can only promise one thing.
"Paghandaan nila yung suporta na ibibigay ng management and ng alumni kasi sobrang sarap maging Letranista," he said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
