As preparations intensify for NCAA Season 100, Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) has secured commitments from promising high school talents Jasper Matienzo and Peter Mulligan, signaling a strategic move to strengthen their roster.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Matienzo emerged as the top scorer for the Junior Pirates during the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament. He showcased versatility on the court, averaging 11.44 points, 4.78 rebounds, 1.89 assists, 1.44 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Mulligan, a 6-foot guard, demonstrated his skills with an average of 6.56 points, 2.67 rebounds, 0.78 assists, and 0.56 blocks per game.
Despite facing challenges in the junior division, the Junior Pirates concluded their campaign with a 2-7 win-loss record. However, the addition of Matienzo and Mulligan to the seniors team is expected to inject new energy and talent into the lineup.
Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the incoming players, emphasizing their compatibility with the team’s system. “We are delighted that Jasper and Peter have chosen to stay with us. I believe and trust in their capabilities, and they are a great fit for our system,” Malabanan remarked.
Maintaining continuity from grassroots to the senior level is a priority for LPU, according to Malabanan. The integration of players who have been developed within the program ensures a seamless transition and familiarity with the team’s strategies and principles.
Matienzo and Mulligan join the Pirates as part of the team’s efforts to enhance its competitiveness in the upcoming season. Their addition follows the recruitment of William Sy, who opted to transfer from Jose Rizal University after two seasons. With a strengthened lineup and a commitment to improvement, LPU aims to elevate its performance and contend for a higher position in NCAA Season 100.