PRINCE Eze's graduation is sure to take a hit on Perpetual's chances.
But that just makes Altas coach Frankie Lim all the more demanding as he expects his wards to double their efforts on both ends of the floor.
"This team is totally different and the outlook is totally different," he said as he will sorely miss the presence of the Nigerian big man, who averaged 18.2 points, 16.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks to lead the Altas to the Final Four.
Ben Adamos looks to make his presence felt for Perpetual as he aims to make up for the big shoes Eze left in the paint.
Also coming in are new guys Jefher Egan and Ramlee Lanoy, as they provide support to holdovers led by starting point guard Edgar Charcos, Jielo Razon, and Tonton Peralta.
His roster may pale in comparison to the others, but Lim is quite satisfied with his haul believing that all have bought in to his tried-and-tested system that has netted him four NCAA titles with San Beda.
"We’re good in some positions and I think we’ll be okay, we’ll be competitive. Lalaban naman ang mga yan," he said.
Lim admits the road to the semifinals will be much tougher this season.
"It's tougher compared to last year, lalo na para sa team namin ngayon na bago at mga bata, but like last year, we're counted out and we're looked at as underdogs. So magandang challenge yun para sa amin," he said.
Don't be mistaken, though: it's always a safe bet to expect a gritty and feisty team when Lim's barking orders from the sidelines.
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.
