WITHOUT question, Letran is now the top target for teams in the NCAA.
And there's one man who's hell-bent on exacting revenge against the Knights.
San Sebastian gunner RK Ilagan is eager to get back at Letran, who eliminated the Golden Stags in the semifinals last season on the way to the title.
"Sa akin talaga, gusto kong bumawi sa kanila," the Tondo-born gunner told The Prospects Pod. "Sila ang nag-eliminate sa amin last year, kaya kung mabibigyan ng chance, gusto kong makabawi sa kanila."
Letran was actually third seed, ahead of San Sebastian in the first phase of the NCAA Season 95 stepladder semis. The Knights beat the Golden Stags, 85-80, overcoming 36 points by Ilagan.
The Muralla crew then hurdled second seed Lyceum, 92-88, before besting the four-peat-seeking San Beda in the championship after three tightly-contested games to reclaim the crown for the first time since 2015.
Getting that redemption, however, will require a lot from the Recto-based Golden Stags as Ilagan will be a marked man this upcoming NCAA Season 96.
"Dalawa lang kaming graduating ni JM Calma, so nag-uusap na kaming dalawa para magtulungan para i-lead yung team namin kasi medyo bata kami," said the 5-foot-11 sharpshooter, who is looking to carry the load following the departures of Allyn Bulanadi and Alvin Capobres.
Lucky for the Egay Macaraya-mentored side, Ilagan feels he is ready to take charge in his final run with San Sebastian.
"Kung ano lang yung ginawa nila Allyn noon, kung paano kami nila i-lead nung graduating sila, ganoon lang yung gagawin namin. Kung kaya naming higitan, gagawin namin para sa team at para sa community namin kasi matagal nang hindi nag-champion yung team namin eh," he said.
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