With the 83rd season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) opened just last Saturday, fans of the most popular game in the league — basketball, of course — would be huddled in discussion as to how their favorite teams would fare. Here's a primer to add a bit of fuel to the fire. San Beda Red Lions Defending champions Rank: 1 (2006) Ask the six other coaches in the collegiate league and they would be one in saying that the San Beda Red Lions’, the 2006 NCAA champs, are this year’s top choice to win the coveted basketball plum for the second year in a row. And who would reject this bold statement? Basically, the Red Lions have remained intact, with 2006 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sam Ekwe still at the helm, along with holdovers 6-4 power forward Yousif Aljamal Jr., 6-0 point-guard Pong Escobal, and shooter Rogemar Menor — all ready to provide the combo-punches. Ekwe, an exchange student from Nigeria, has averages of 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, four blocks, one assist, and one steal in 14 regular season games. Aljamal, meanwhile, has averages of 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assist in 26.8 minutes of action last year. Escobal is not far behind with 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 29.4 minutes of play time. The 6'-2" Menor also has good numbers for the team — 8.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 14 games last year. While Aljamal, Escobal, and Menor provide stability and firepower, the 6-8 Ekwe is again expected to terrorize his opponents with his ferocious rebounding and shot blocking ability. Another reason why San Beda is the top choice to win the title is the absence of last year’s losing finalist Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dolphins, who were suspended by the league board for one year for violating a league rule. A member of the PCU Dolphins was found to have switched his identity with his cousin to enable him to play in the high school division and that led to PCU’s suspension in the country’s oldest collegiate league. Newly-acquired coach Frankie Lim, a Red Lion himself during his heydays in the collegiate league in the late 70s, will also have rookies 6'-0" Garvo Lanete, 6'-5" behemoth Dave Marcelo, Alvin Padilla and Jose Caram, manning the patrol lanes of the team, in their bid to capture a back-to-back title and 13th overall in its storied basketball history. Lanete, Marcelo, Padilla, and Caram all came from San Beda’s junior team. The defending champs also toughened themselves by training for two weeks abroad in Carson, California. In an interview, Lim said expectations are high, especially among San Beda's basketball-crazy students and alumni, who expect to grab another title this year. Lim cautioned, however, that every other team in the league has a legitimate chance of snatching the basketball title considering that they, too, has toughened themselves up for the coming basketball wars. Lim particularly mentioned the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers and the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) Cardinals as the toughest competitors in the fold right now. "We have tough opponents," Lim mentioned. "JRU is surging. Mapua improved since Leo Isaac arrived. Unpredictable ang Mapua." Lim said the team’s strength will still lie on their toughness in the defensive side what with Ekwe expected to tower and bully his way over his other opponents as Aljamal and Escobal deliver the usual points for the team. Lim added that experience will also be a key towards a back-to-back crown for them as most of his players are already in their third and fourth years in the league. “We also have the height and the experience to back up our bid for a back-to-back crown. We hope this could again carry us to the promise land,” Lim said. The Red Lions Coach: Frankie Lim Raymund Maggay (6'-3"), Enrico Patroceino Tirona, Jr. (5'-9"), Riego Gamalinda (6'-3"), Garvo Lanete (6'-0"), Eduardo Tecson, Jr. (6'-2"), Yousif Aljamal (6'-4"), David Paul Marcelo (6'-5"), Antonio Jose Caram (5'-7"), Samuel Ekwe (6'-8"), Jay-R Taganas (6'-4"), Rogemar Menor (6'-2"), John Carlos Hermida (5'-9"), Alvin Padilla (6'-1"), John Paul Escobal (6'-0"), Kristoffer Taupa (6'-5") Letran Knights On a rebuilding stage Rank: 3 (2006) The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, considered a powerhouse school in the NCAA with 16 basketball titles, came up short in their bid to win another title last year, being beaten by the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dolphins in a tie-breaker to determine who would challenge the Red Lions for the championship crown. For 2007, the Knights find themselves on unfamiliar ground as coach Louie Alas admitted that they are embarking on a three-year rebuilding journey what with key losses of players hampering their bid for an NCAA crown. Without key players Aaron Aban and Boyet Bautista, who got intothe Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the 2006 draft, the Knights will have to rely on holdovers led by 6’ -2” forward Andro Gil Quinday, 6'-5" center Bryan Faundo, guard John Melegrito, and 6’-3” Dino Daa to be the Knights in shining armor for this season. Last year, Daa averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, Quinday 4.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, and Faundo 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. Though not expecting too much from his players, as most of them are still rookies, Alas said this does not mean that they will just roll over and die for their opponents. “Hindi namin gagawing reason [the rebuilding stage] para matalo na lang,” Alas said. “The team still needa to improve on a lot of things, but we can assure the other teams that we can give them a run for their money because we will treat every game as a do-or-die for us,” he added. To compensate for some of their weaknesses — like not having a go-to-guy especially during clutch situations — Alas said his team, which last won an NCAA title in 2005, will rely more on their offensive plays and patterns in the hope of landing a spot in the Final Four. “I still got a mix of veterans and rookies in my fold who are ready to wage war against the elite squads of the league such as San Beda and the Mapua Cardinals. We may not be as strong defensively and offensively as the other squads but we are a fighting unit,” Alas said. “Sila na lang mamroblema sa amin,” he added. The Knights Coach: Louie Alas Reymar Gutilban (5'-11"), Bryan Faundo (6'-6"), Anjoe Dace Latonio (6'-3"), Alvyn Cabonce (6'-3"), John Foronda (6'-6"), John Karl Melegrito (5'-11"), Kirk Del Rosario (5'-11"), Reynaldo Dangkal (5'-8"), Schubert Carlo Reposar (6'-3"), John Clarence Foronda (6'-3"), Dino Fiel Daa (6'-3"), Andro Gil Quinday (6'-2"), Regin Reneses (6'-3"), Rey Francis Guevara (6'-4"), Rafael Joey Jazul (5'-10") Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals Just having fun in the court Rank: Number 4 (2006) Just have fun in the playing court! This, in a nutshell, is what newly-hired Mapua Cardinals coach Leo Isaac wants his players to do on the hard court. Isaac, who played for the Cardinals in the early 80s, said it is much better to downplay the chances of his team of even reaching the Final Four, so that it won’t add pressure to his young players. “I rather see them having fun on the court than to be serious about it,” said the soft-spoken coach, who was acquired by the Cardinals during the summer after leading the Arellano University to a basketball championship in the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA). Isaac, who was a star player for the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the late 80s under then coach Robert Jaworski, will lean on veterans Kelvin dela Peña, 6’-5” center Jerbey del Rosario, shooter Sean Co, and 6’-3" defensive specialist Neil Pascual to carry the cudgels for the Cardinals. The 6’-0” Dela Peña will be the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offense, with his per-game averages of 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 14 elimination games last year expected to increase this coming season. He said that 5’-9” freshman Jonathan Banal, who showed some potential in the preseason leagues, such as the Nike Summer League in which the Cardinals reached the quarterfinals, will also be tapped to help the team in the offense. “Sooner or later, he (Banal) will become the chief court general of this team. That is why this early, we want to hone his skills and confidence, especially when the game is on the line,” Isaac said. The Mapua Cardinals last won an NCAA crown in 1991 under coach Joel Banal who is now an assistant to coach Tim Cone of the Alaska Aces. The Cardinals Coach: Leo Isaac Arjay del Rosario (6'-1"), Joshua Emmanuel Reyes (6'-1"), Edwin Cornejo (6'-1"), Ian Chris Mazo (6'-2"), Jonathan Banal (5'-9"), Mark Anthony Acosta (6'-3"), Jewel Palomique Jr. (5'-10"), Jerbey del Rosario (6'-5"), Kelvin Charles Dela Pena (6'-0"), Paul Alexis Cinco (6'-2"), Rodel Raneses (5'-11"), Neil Anthony Pascual (6'-3"), Sean Christoher Co (6'-2"), Hermes Sumalinog (6'-1"), Teree Gil Guillermo (5'-11") University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas Banking on pride and determination to carry them to victory Rank: 5 (2006) The UPHSD Altas are currently the only NCAA basketball team to have never clinched a basketball championship, but this does not mean that the team will not have a fight left in them, especially with the absence of key players from last year’s squad due to graduation. UPHSD coach Bai Cristobal said what his team lacks in experienced players they will make up for with their pride and determination to score an upset win against their much touted and heavily-favoured foes. Cristobal also sees a spark of promise for the Altas even if shooters Fritz Bauzon and Khiel Misa have already used up their eligibility. The two used to suit up in the NCRAA with Bauzon having played for Lyceum of the Philippines and Misa for Olivarez College before transferring to the Las Piñas-based school. “We will try to improve and be in the Final Four,” said Cristobal, whose team finished fifth in last year's NCAA wars. “Wala talagang angat na angat. Everybody has a chance in the final four." The Altas, who lost only two games in the Asian Universities Basketball Championship, are hoping for Vladimir Joe, Mike Kong, and Lee Sang Myeon to light up the scoreboard. It is, however, the two gigantic Indonesians, Ryan Frebyan and Thoyib Isman, who have caught the attention of some of the coaches, and even press. “They have potential because of their height,” Cristobal said about his two walk-in foreigners. “With their presence inside the court, I think we can decently compete this seasom." When asked who among the other schools which has the best chance of winning the crown this year, Cristobal picked San Beda without batting an eyelash. “San Beda is the team to beat,” said “But beatable sila,” he stressed. The Altas Coach: Arturo Cristobal Rommel Balboa (6'-5"), Franz Dysam (5'-10"), Ryan Frevyan (6'-6"), John Phillip Galabin (6'-0"), Thoyib Isman (6'-9"), Vladimir Joe (6'-4"), Michael Johnson Kong (5'-11"), Sang Myeon Lee (5'-11"), Flavio Christian Liaz (5'-11"), Virgilio Manuel, Jr. (6'-2"), Andy Mejos (5'-10"), Richard Brian Mojado (6'-0"), Ronald Reyes (5'-10"), Nathaniel Fredderick Salanga (6'-5"), George Michael Sicat (6'-3"), Raffy Ynion (6'-4") Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers Bring back glory of ’72 in 2K7 Rank: 6 (2006) The Heavy Bombers, host for this year's festivities, had first crack against the kings of the NCAA jungle – the San Beda Red Lions last June 23 at the Araneta Coliseum. But they lost by a big margin, with the score 91-69. Expectations are very high among the students and alumni that the team will enter the Final Four of the basketball tournament and get a crack at the championship. Heavy Bombers coach Ariel Vanguardia said that the team has been preparing for a year in hopes of ending a 35-year men’s basketball title drought. “I really hope that with my players, we can bring back the glory of ’72 in 2K7,” Vanguardia said. But Vanguardia said it would be a difficult task, as all the others teams have naturally geared up for this season. “I feel that we are capable of beating the other teams, but they are also capable of beating us. It will be a tight battle for the other Final Four slots,” Vanguardia said. “It will be a wild race for the second finals slot,” Vanguardia observed, noting that save for San Beda College, the rest of the league is as balanced as it could get. “A team can beat any team any day.” Vanguardia said that the Bombers would miss the services of chief gunner Floyd Dedicatoria, but a veteran crew — composed of 6’-3” John Wilson, 6’-4” Jayson Nocom, 6’-3” Marvin Hayes, and 5’-9” shifty point-guard Marc Cagoco — are still available for his disposal. He added that James Sena — the 6’-5” center of the team from La Union with per-game averages of 8.2 points and 6 rebounds in 14 games played last year — will also be tapped once he recovers from his injury. “I hope James Sena can step up once he comes back,” Vanguardia said. The Heavy Bombers Coach: Ariel Vanguardia Ildefonso Bulangis, Jr. (5'-9"), Jerome Cruz (6'-3"), Dan Calo Lituania (5'-9"), John Eric Agas (6'-0"), John Marion Wilson (6'-2"), Reycon Kabigting (5'-11"), Jason Nocom (6'-4"), Jerome Ramos (6'-5"), Marvin Hayes (6'-3"), Marx Cagoco (5'-9"), Rene Cunanan, Jr. (6'-1"), James Ryan Sena (6'-4"), Alvin Se (6'-4"), John Allen Montemayor (6'-6", Mark Louie Pradas (6'-1"), Joel Gabriel (6'-3"), Mark Julius Yuzon (6'-4"), Rodrigo Apostol (6'-1") San Sebastian College Stags Instituting a new system to revive old glory Rank: 7 (2006) The San Sebastian College (SSC) Stags, who became famous in the mid-90s for racking up five straight titles behind players such as Rommel Adducul (later of Purefoods Hotdogs) and Rodney Santos (later of Barangay Ginebra), has recently stagnated and now finds itself among the whipping boys of the rest of the teams in the NCAA. With this in mind, the school board immediately pushed panic buttons and hired a new tactician whom they hope will help solve the team’s problems. Multi-titled coach Jorge Gallent, who recently led the Harbour Centre Batang Pier squad to the 2007 Philippine Basketball League (PBL) Unity and Silver Cups, is now the chief bench tactician of the Stags. His main mission is to bring the school back on top of the NCAA basketball elite. Gallent, who once played for La Salle in the UAAP, will rely on fifth year veterans Jim Bruce Viray, a 6’-3” forward from Palawan; 6’-1” guard Jimbo Aquino; veteran point guard Franz Ian Delgado; and 6’-6” bull-strong center Jason Ballesteros to carry the cudgels for the once-feared Stags. Viray, who led his team in points last year with per-game averages of 14.9 points and 6.1 rebounds, will be the main option in the offensive drive of the Stags. Expected to back him up are Aquino (5.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game); Delgado (4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists), and Ballesteros (3.4 points and 6.6 rebounds averages in 13 games last season). In a recent interview, Gallent said a new system will be applied to the Stags basketball system to improve their standing for the 83rd season. The Stags placed a dismal seventh last year. “We hope this new system will work for the boys and the team as a whole. If they can easily adapt to it, I’m confident we could have a decent finish this year,” Gallent said. Assistant coach Jim Viray shared Gallent’s observation. “Since bago ang coach namin, new system kami at magandang sistema ang dala niya,” Viray, who is expected to head SSCR along with Jason Ballesteros and Gilbert Bulawan, said. The Stags Coach: Jorge Galent Jimbo Aquino (6'-1"), Vergel Angelo Zulueta (5'-10"), Froilan Saquillo Jr. (6'-3"), Richard dela Cruz (5'-9"), Jim Bruce Viray (6'-3"), Juanito Quiamco III (6'-0"), Francis de Leon (6'-9"), Omar Moses Mujahid Ampatuan (6'-4"), Mark Lester Haldos (6'-2"), Franz Ian Delgado (5'-10"), Dave Jay Najorda (6'-5"), Gilbert Bulawan (6'-4"), John Murphy Raymundo (5'-10"), Roland Antonio del Rio (6'-0"), Jason Ballesteros (6'-6"), Aldrin Umali (6'-3") College of Saint Benilde Blazers Hope’s to improve on dismal showing last year Rank: 8 (2006) The College of Saint Benilde Blazers, last year's host and the only team not seeing action on June 23 when the league open its 83rd season, hopes to improve on their dismal showing from a season back. “We will try to be competitive especially with the help of our returning players,” said CSB assistant coach Mike Buendia, referring most particularly to come-backing point-guard Paolo Orbeta, who was sidelined in 2006 due to an injury. Without Orbeta, who had per-game averages of 12.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 14 games during the 2005 season, the Blazers were kept afloat by veterans Martin Urra, Archimedes David, and Gerald Layug. Urra had per-game averages of 14.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assist in 29.4 minutes of action in 14 games last year. Backing him up were Layug (7.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocked shots) and David (2.7 points and 1.7 rebounds). Buendia hopes that the four veterans will jell this year to give the Blazers a competitive chance of even reaching the Final Four. “I hope with Orbeta back and Urra, David, and Layug still in the team, we can bounce back and have a decent finish this year,” Buendia said. “Who knows we can reach the Final Four and fight for a championship." Buendia said one way of matching up with other schools that has players who are heftier and more bigger is by running at every opportunity they can. “It’s one way of countering their height advantage over some of my players,” he said. Buendia said San Beda College remains as his top pick to be the favourite to bag the 2007 crown, with Mapua and host Jose Rizal College, also in the hunt for a possible championship. “The three teams that I have mentioned is already a sure-in for a Final Four slot. They have the experience and the talent to be competitive... Those will be the teams that we will have a hard time dealing with." The Blazers, who joined the league in 1998, last won a Men’s basketball title in 2000 under former player Sunday Salvacion who is now with the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. The Blazers Coach: Carlos Jose Garcia Antonio Francisco Cadiz (5'-11"), Kristoffer Robles (5'-10"), David Urra III (5'-11"), Harvey Porras (6'-5"), Garri Keith Sevilla (6'-0"), Jeffrey Moral (6'-1"), Angelo Montecastro (5'-11"), Martin Urra Jr. (6'-3"), Archimedes David (6'-5"), Gerald Christopher Layug (6'-5"), Jacob Christian Manlapaz (6'-4"), Christian Cabatu (6'-5"), Paolo Orbeta (5'-11"), Willian Johnston (6'-3"), Kristan Angelo Aldover (6'-3") - GMANews.TV
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