Last season, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapua University, San Beda University, and the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA completed the Final Four cast after the play-in period.
With tweaks in teams' lineups and preseason tournaments ahead of NCAA Season 98, hosts Martin Javier, Anton Roxas, and Martin Antonio gave their insights on which teams will possibly make it to the semifinals.
For Martin Javier, the biggest threat to the Letran Knights' three-peat bid are the Mapua Cardinals.
"Biggest threat, for me, because they are intact and because they got a much needed experience in the playoffs and in the finals, Mapua is still the biggest threat," Javier said in an interview with GMA News Online, adding that the offseason experience, maturity, and Mapua almost beating Letran in Game 1 of the Finals will be factors in their campaign.
Anton Roxas, meanwhile, said something special is brewing in Taft Avenue after their women's volleyball championship.
"We're coming off a historic year in women's volleyball and I was there during the victory party of the CSB Lady Blazers and I feel that something is brewing in Taft," Roxas said. "I feel like the College of Saint Benilde is finally getting over the hump and getting into the Final Four."
"One guy to watch out for si Miguel Oczon."
Oczon, who suited up for National University before transferring to CSB, has been making his name for the Blazers during the preseason tournaments.
"He's a guy who I feel is very talented. He has the green light to shoot, he's gonna be lights out in NCAA Season 98," Roxas said.
A season after predicting that Jose Rizal University will contend for the Season 97 title, Martin Antonio again selected the Heavy Bombers as one of his Final Four picks.
"Mukhang this year, eligible na sila lahat. Agem Miranda, Ry dela Rosa [is] finally healthy, John Amores [is] scoring in strides. Jason Celis will be more comfortable now coming off the bench, or being the third scorer and the big guys had the biggest experience," he said.
"[They] might not contend for the finals, but for a Final Four (berth)," he said.
He said he is also excited for the Altas with head coach Myk Saguiguit and the team being almost intact, giving them a reliable system and enough tools to contend for at least a semis spot.
"I like tough teams that always compete, physical but not dirty. I think they will contend for a Final Four."
Javier added to not count out the Red Lions with their new coach Yuri Escueta still experimenting with his players.
With a lot of possible contenders for a Final Four spot, the three agreed that Letran, Mapua, and San Beda are possible shoo-ins in the playoffs. But who will take the fourth spot?
Roxas vouched for CSB, while Coach Hammer said it was JRU. Javier, meanwhile, pulled off a surprising pick.
"Mag-EAC ako."
Why EAC? The three discussed Allen Liwag, Ralph Robin, and King Gurtiza's possible contributions to the Generals.
More discussions will be made as 'Game On' will return on Monday, 10:30 am, on GTV!
'Achieve Greatness Every Day' as NCAA Season 98 opens on September 10.
—JMB, GMA News
