Talisay, Negros Occidental native Nathaniel Sevilla and Bukidnon-born Christian Pagaran are set to lead the young Perpetual Altas men’s basketball team in the upcoming NCAA Season 100.

Sevilla and Pagaran admitted to feeling the pressure being the skipper of a squad composed mostly of rookies.

Missing the final four cast in Season 99, Perpetual also lost the services of Art Roque, Mark Omega, and Cyrus Nitura who decided to transfer schools during the offseason while former team captain Jielo Razon already graduated.

“Oo naman, may pressure naman talaga, pero it’s a great opportunity to lead the team,” Sevilla told GMA Regional TV News.

Pagaran, on the other hand, shares the sentiments.

“Para sa akin, nape-pressure din ako kasi yun nga mahirap naman maging leader talaga, so, ayun kailangan mo talagang i-lead yung team ngayon kasi sobrang ambabata pa ng team namin, kulang pa sa maturity,” he said.

With many new faces for the historic centennial season, Perpetual is working double time on team chemistry.

“So far, yung chemistry lang namin kasi mostly rookies and konti na lang kaming veterans na natira. Yung yang struggles namin so far as a team,” Sevilla shared.

But despite the team’s changes and the addition of Coach Olsen Racela, Sevilla believes the team is ready to compete and is not in rebuilding mode.

“Tinarbaho namin this season is to compete pa rin, hindi ito rebuild, so, every game talaga magiging competitive kami,” he added.

Among the holdovers of the team includes JP Boral, Jearico Nuñez, John Abis, and Richard Movida, to name a few.

Meanwhile, Season 99 juniors basketball tournament Rookie of the Year and Mythical 5 member Mark Gojo Cruz will be a big boost to the Altas’ offense after moving to the seniors ranks.