SA nakalipas na anim na taon, bigong makasampa sa Final Four ang Lyceum of the Philippines.

Sa pagbubukas na Season 93 sa Hulyo 9, asahan ang mas mabangis na Pirates na maghahangad na maituring na lehitimong title contender.

Matapos makopo ang ikatlong puwesto at tanghaling ikalawang pinakamatatag na koponan mula sa NCAA sa katatapos ng Premier Cup, nakatuon ang pansin sa Pirates na isa sa posibleng humarang sa kampanyang back-to-back championship ng San Beda Red Lions.

Mas naging palaban ang Lyceum sa pre-season bunsod nang pagkakadagdag nina CJ Perez, transferee mula sa Ateneo; kambal na sina Jayvee at Jaycee Marcelino mula sa Adamson, gayundin ang run-and-gun system ni coach Topex Robinson.

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“We all know we’re one of the smallest teams because we only have one legitimate big man in Mike Harry (Nzeusseu),” pahayag ni Robinson. “But we have a system that puts premium on speed and aggressiveness to neutralize our size disadvantage.”

Bunsod nang paglibat ni forward Joseph Gabayni sa Arellano, naiwan sa frontline si Nzeusseu.

“I told him he needed to expand his range because at his size (6-6), he can’t be a big man outside the Philippines.

I’m glad he listened to me and start practicing taking those outside shots,” pahayag ni Robinson, patungkol kay Nzeusseu.

Iginiit ni Robinson na nakatuon ang kanyang sistema na mapalakas ang koponan kumpara sa nakalipas na kampanya sa liga.

“Who wouldn’t want to play in the Final Four and win a championship. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves and drown ourselves with a glass of water. Nasa line up din ng Lyceum sina team captain Jasper Ayaay, Rymar Caduyac, Wilson Baltazar, Edcor Marata, Ralph Tanchingco at San Sebastian transferee Spencer Pretta.