Perpetual Junior Altas star Lebron Jhames Daep in the NCAA Season 100 juniors’ basketball tournament. Photo from NCAA Philippines/Facebook.MANILA — University of Perpetual Help System DALTA high school star Lebron Jhames Daep is set to make his National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) return.

Now coming in as the second-best Under-19 player in the country, the NCAA standout will be leading the Perpetual Junior Altas in the NBTC from March 31-April 6 as they look to outlast other squads in search for high school hoops supremacy.

However, this NBTC campaign of Daep and the Junior Altas will actually coincide with their Season 100 championship hunt, as their tournament in their mother league is still ongoing.

And while the son of former PBA player Rommel Daep acknowledges that it might be a lot for him and their squad to handle the two leagues, Daep instead looks at it as one that can help him in the bigger picture.

“Actually, medyo na pe-pressure ako kasi nasa kalagitaan pa kami ng tournament. Yung focus namin, andoon pa kasi may goal pa kami,” the 18-year-old said during the NBTC’s pre-tournament press conference on Monday in Pasay.

“Pero blessed ako na andito ako, at tine-take ko lang lahat ng opportunity hanggat makakaya ko,” furthered Daep, whose squad is currently 6-1 in the team standings.

But aside from the personal gains which he will be getting in the NBTC, what Daep is looking forward to most, is giving back to the other hopefuls who will have one of their first chances to show out and perform on a bigger stage.

“Importanteng importante yun kasi makakakuha ako ng exposure. Tapos sila, mabibigyan ko rin sila ng opportunity,” he emphasized.