AS the Letran Knights try to get back on their feet this week, coach Jeff Napa in pinning his hopes on three veterans.
Much is expected of senior players Rey Nambatac, Bon Quinto and JP Calvo in the ongoing 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
“These three are the ones who lead the team,” said Napa.
The three are expected to help push the Knights back up after they fell to a 75-78 loss to the Mapua University Cardinals on Tuesday last week.
They will next meet the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, with Napa expecting a better performance.
“Talagang inaasahan ko silang mag-lead ng team,” said Napa.
The trio emerged as the squad’s key players after they lost Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal to graduation.
Last year, the Knight finished season 92 with a 9-9 win-loss card.
The team currently has a lot of new players in their roster who need experience and exposure as the season progresses.
Among the young guns whom Napa is developing are Jerrick Balanza, Jeo Ambohot, Jeremiah Taladua, Lance Vacaro, Matthew Bernabe, Christian Balagasay, Daryl Pascual and Alex Mandreza.
In last week’s game, the Cardinals trailed by as much as seven points and Estrella’s trey came after seven deadlocks.
Then, the Knights had a chance to force an overtime.
But, Nambatac’s three-point attempt just bounced off the board at the buzzer.
Jerrick Balanza and Nambatac banged in 15 and 13 points for the Knights.