MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum of the Philippines University has dropped veteran guard Dexter Zamora from its roster ahead of the NCAA Season 92 men's basketball tournament, which starts on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.

Head coach Topex Robinson did not specify why Zamora – who played in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup a few weeks ago – was removed from the original line-up, citing only "disciplinary action."

Paul Soliman and Mer Ayaay have been named co-captains in Zamora's place.

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"We've decided to go to our younger players and give them a chance," said Robinson.

The Pirates will also be missing big man Joseph Gabayni for at least a month after he figured in a motorcycle accident in the offseason.

"He will be out until August, and we will have to rely more on the other players," Robinson said of Gabayni. "We're just thankful that his injury is not serious."

Ayaay, sharpshooter Wilson Baltazar, and Cameroonian rookie big man Mike Harry Nzeusseu were named into the starting unit, leaving the point guard and power forward spots open after losing Zamora and Gabayni.

Expected to get heavy minutes at the point position are Shaq Alanes, Edcor Marata, Allyn Malabanan, and rookie Johann Rubite. Jebb Bulawan and Soliman will take turns at the No. 4 spot.

Robinson admits he does not have high expectations of the Pirates, and just wants to improve on their performance last year when they wound up in ninth place with a 4-14 win-loss record.

"We will not shoot for the stars," Robinson said. "We'll just try to better our performance and win as many games as we can."

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