Coming into the 99th season of the NCAA, Lyceum was not considered as a top tier contender, considering the presence of last season's finalists Letran and the College of Saint Benilde.
However, the Pirates silenced those thoughts with an impressive start to their campaign, dispatching both teams, as well as the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to set the pace so far with three wins in three matches.
Anchoring the streak has been Shawn Umali, as the 6'3"bruiser averaged twelve points, 5.67 rebounds, and a couple of assists.
Against the Knights in particular, Umali finished with fifteen points, three rebounds, and an assist, as Lyceum pulled off a 70-69 victory.
He shared to the media post-match, "Para sa akin, ginagawa ko lang 'yung best ko sa team para makatulong sa team talaga. 'Yung score, hindi ko naman tinitignan 'yun. Iniisip ko kung paano manalo 'yung buong team."
Umali's feats got the attention of the media covering the collegiate beat, selecting him as the first Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week for Season 99, beating out JP Maguliano of EAC, Agem Miranda of JRU, Jacob Cortez of San Beda, and Clint Escamis of Mapua.
The weekly citation is presented by the San Miguel Corporation, alongside minor sponsor Discovery Suites.
Umali may have won the award, but for his head coach, Gilbert Malabanan, it is about expecting the unexpected for the undefeated Pirates. He says, "I have been saying this since last season: my team is unpredictable. You won't know who will explode for us."
Lyceum of the Philippines University has been on a roll to start the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament, beating heavy contenders in no less than defending champion Letran and last season's runner-up Benilde as well as a talented Perpetual side.
While Umali continues to prove his worth for Lyceum, Malabanan said he expects new heroes will shine every game as the Pirates aim to surpass last season's Final Four finish.
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