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NCAA Season 85 preview -
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THE 85th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association kicks off on Saturday, June 27 at the Araneta Coliseum. This year, three guest teams -Angeles University Foundation, Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College - will make up a formidable and unprecedented 10-team field. inboundpass.combreaks down the competing squads and sizes up their chances for the upcoming campaign. For a more in-depth analysis, grab a copy of Rebound: The Spiritof College Basketball, which will hit newsstands on the week of June 22.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to Jose Rizal University in the Final Four).
Head coach: Louie Alas (8th season)
Additions: Jun-Jun Alas, Kevin Alas, Patrick Ang, Jomar Datang, Fred-rick Malabago, Andrei Pantin, Rey Publico, Aloysius Taplah
Subtractions: Alvyn Cabonce, Dino Daa, Rey Dangcal, Clarence Foronda, Raydhan Lacamento, Anjoe Latonio, Kojack Melegrito, Regin Ranises
Holdovers: Jaypee Belencion, Jam Cortes, Kirk del Rosario, John Foronda, Rey Guevarra, Reymar Gutilban, RJ Jazul
Background: The Knights were locked in a four-way tie for second place and emerged from the mayhem after beating Mapua. Their experience,however, wasn't enough to see them past the hungry Jose Rizal University in a virtual best-of-three matchup, losing in a playoff for the second spot andthe Final Four itself.
Key changes: Among the returning seven teams in the league, Letran enters Season 85 with the most number of players lost (eight). Daa andMelegrito, the squad's second- and third-leading scorers, respectively, played out their eligibility in 2008, while Clarence Foronda and Anjoe Latoniosurprisingly bolted for Far Eastern University deep into the summer.
The Alas brothers and Taplah should see a lot of minutes this year. Kevin Alas, in particular, was a scoring machine in high school and an almost-prizedcatch by De La Salle before deciding to stick it out with his dad in Muralla. Most of the team's other rookies emerged from Letran's fabled Team B.
Outlook: Many pundits are calling this team Louie Alas' weakest in many years. To some extent, and on paper, that is, that assertionholds water. Save for the new faces in the squad, the Knights had mixed results in the summer leagues, finishing fourth in the Nike League but going 1-6 in theFiloil Flying V Cup. While it can be argued that the preseason is nothing more than the preseason, coach Alas has gone to the extent of holding closed-doorpractices for almost a week last May in an attempt to toughen his wards.
All isn't gloom and doom in the blue side of Intramuros, though. Jazul and Guevarra form a lethal 1-2 punch and had the benefit of training under coachRajko Toroman and the Philippine Developmental Team. Jazul is by far the NCAA's deadliest sniper, while Guevarra has gradually improved his perimeter game.Belencion and Gutilban, meanwhile, have been quite consistent the past two months.
Prognosis: The mere presence of a battle-grizzled go-to-guy in Jazul and a solid nine-man rotation should be enough to throw the"weakest team in coach Alas' Letran career" tag out the window. Add to the fact that, in his seven seasons at the helm, he's made it to theFinal Four seven times, and won it all thrice. 2009 may not up the championship total to four, but it will at least extend his semis streak to eight.
College of Saint Benilde Blazers
2008 record: 4-10 (sixth place)
Head coach: Richard del Rosario (1st season)
Additions: RJ Argamino, John Debuque, Mark de Guzman, Carlo Lastimosa, Andrew Musngi, Geo Sia, Lance Sikat, Jorey Tajonera, Jan Tan, David Urra
Subtractions: Archie David, Ilie Johnston, Dustin Posadas, Karl Santos, Garri Sevilla
Holdovers: Mac Abolucion, Chuck Dalanon, Ian dela Paz, Robbie Mañalac, Jacob Manlapaz, Ardie Martinez, Anjelo Montecastro, Jeff Morial, Aaron Umlas
Background: The Blazers started Season 84 strong, winning their first two games, but failed to sustain the momentum, particularly in thesecond round where they went 1-6. The three wins on the hardcourt, plus a fourth in the boardroom by way of the Sam Ekwe playing jersey incident, has given CSBthat much-needed confidence boost heading to 2K9.
Key changes: Del Rosario becomes CSB's third coach in three years, succeeding Gee Abanilla after the latter's commitment to thePhilippine National Team. On the floor, St. Benilde loses rotation stalwarts David and Sevilla to eligibility, and the athletic Johnston to disciplinaryreasons.
Guards Mark de Guzman and Carlo Lastimosa are dynamite additions to the squad, which already has its fair share of quality backcourt players. Far Easterntransferee Tan is 6'5" and legit down low as well as on the mid-range. These three cagers should immediately contribute for the Taft quintet.
Outlook: It's no secret that the Blazers will run, run and run some more this season to compensate for their lack of ceiling. Lastyear's team also lacked that big-time presence underneath, so CSB is quite used to playing small ball. The only difference between 2008 and 2009 is thatthis unit is even quicker and arguably more talented thanks to the combination of solid rookies and returning vets like Dalanon, Manlapaz, Montecastro andMorial.
Prognosis: De La Salle, or "main," in Taft jargon, has hogged the basketball limelight for seemingly a century at St.Benilde's expense. While this isn't as surprising as CSB's six-year Final Four drought, it shouldn't be reason to ignore the darker shade ofgreen in 2009. This is the best Benilde team since it last made the semis in 2002. A 9-9 record and a shot at the playoffs aren't out of reach.
Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals
Credentials: 2004-2006 UCAA champions, 2004 NCRAA champions, 2004 and 2006 University Games champions
Head coach: Nomar Isla (1st season in the NCAA)
Provisional lineup: Ferdinand Anquilo (F), Franz Chiong (G), Claude Cubo (F), Dhan Diolanto (F), Arjay del Rosario (G), Romeo Fotue (G), RuelJabaybay (C), Jeff Lapitan (C), Mark Jason Liwag (G), Loh Chee Hau (C), Argel Mendoza (G), Mark Roldan (F), Bon Sablan (F), Adrian Santos (F), John Santos (G),Neil Tuazon (F), Roy Villegas (G), Rusell Yaya (F), Lowell Yaya (F)
Background: Emilio Aguinaldo College's winning tradition came to a halt in 2008 as it fell to the upstart Universal College GoldenDragons in the UCAA Finals and failed to make the title series in the NCRAA. Over at the Philippine Collegiate Championships, the Generals weren't able tocrack the Sweet 16 after losing by 18 to the University of the East in the Luzon Zonals.
Key changes: Center Emmanuel Mbe and scoring machine Julius Ace Quiambao are the significant losses for the San Marcelino outfit, with theformer now enrolled in St. Benilde and the latter playing out his eligibility. In years past, the Generals have relied on big game, one-man wrecking crews inthe form of Niño Songco, Ronjay Buenafe and Gester Ebuen. This time, expect Isla's wards to share the ball more.
Outlook: EAC boasts of one of the NCAA's tallest lineups. Lapitan, at 6'6" and the 6'5" Jabaybay can do damage onboth ends of the floor. Loh, at 6'10," is as big as it gets, although Lapitan and Jabaybay will see more time at the five spot. Diolanto and Cubo havehad solid pre-seasons for EAC. The school's number one option, though, is Fotue, a native of Cameroon.
The backcourt troika of Mendoza, Villegas and John Santos is offensive-minded and aggressive. Together with the athletic big men of the Generals, these guysare amazing to watch on the fastbreak. Ex-Mapua Cardinal del Rosario is a consistent back-up, while Chiong has proven to be very reliable.
Prognosis: Emilio Aguinaldo is perhaps the most talented of the three guest teams. At the very least, this team will win seven games, butcan realistically gun for eight or break even at nine. Just like St. Benilde, this is a dangerous, middle-ranked five that can have a say when the eliminationsdraw to a close.
Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to San Beda College in the finals)
Head coach: Ariel Vanguardia (4th season)
Additions: Joel Gabriel, Etame Joe, Adoe Salazar
Subtractions: Alex Almario, Jayson Nocom, Maui Pradas
Holdovers: Jhe Agas, Jecskter Apinan, Jay-r Bulangis, Marc Cagoco, Marvin Hayes, Raycon Kabigting, Derico Lopez, Nate Matute, John Montemayor, Nchotu JohnNjei, JR Sena, John Wilson
Background: After a lethargic start to the season, Jose Rizal zoomed to the top of the standings after an eight-game winning streak. Anequally rocky end to the eliminations saw JRU go through a rigorous extra two games to book a twice-to-beat Final Four advantage, one it made use of beforetaking San Beda to the limit in the finals.
Key changes: Stalwarts Nocom and Pradas are the only key losses for the Heavy Bombers, who've advanced to the Final Four the past twoseasons after winning a combined six games in 2005 and 2006.
Among the newbies, expect Joe to make his presence felt, particularly in the low block where he'll be required to swat shots and help Hayes and Sena inthe rebounding department. The Cameroonian suffered an injury to his knee over the summer, so a question mark hangs over his fitness level. The full rotation,though, is intact and experienced.
Outlook: Boom or bust. The Heavy Bombers have the tools to go all the way and capture their first title since 1972. They're deep andloaded in all positions. This current unit also has experienced what it's like to play in front of a packed house care of last season's trip to thefinals, so expect Vanguardia's wards to be more confident and poised down the stretch.
Chemistry is also something that should bode well for JRU. This is Cagoco, Hayes, Sena and Wilson's fourth year together. All of them have vastlyimproved since entering the program in Season 82. The familiarity ideally should translate into better decision-making skills on the hardwood, something thatthe Bombers have been groping for in years past.
Prognosis: Self-belief is something that JRU needs if it is to win it all in 2009. The problems the past two years haven't been lack oftalent or what not, but more of mental toughness. If these are sorted out this campaign, Jose Rizal University has a more than decent chance of taking home thechampionship.
Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to San Beda College in the Final Four)
Additions: John Emmanuel Castillo, Ding-Dong Lamosa, Elison Maniego, Nico Magat, Christian Palma, Mike Parala, Andrei Stevens
Losses: Jonathan Banal, Kelvin de la Peña, Ian Mazo, Jewel Palomique, Neil Pascual
Holdovers: Macky Acosta, Paul Cinco, Erwin Cornejo, Kevin Espinosa, TG Guillermo, Allan Mangahas, Jason Pascual, Rodel Ranises, Mark Sarangay, RandolfSoriano
Background: Mapua came very close to knocking out defending champions San Beda. It extended the semifinal matchup to a second game, and wasone of only two teams (JRU being the other) to inflict two losses on the Red Lions all-year long.
Key changes: Of all the returning squads, it's Mapua that's suffered the most from the loss of key players. De La Peña, Mazo andPascual were all starters who combined for almost 30 points a game. A fourth starter, Banal, tore his ACL and will redshirt Season 85.
The Cardinals, however, have decent rookies in the fold. Magat is a former San Beda Red Cub, while Paulino was part of the fabled FEU-Fern juniors squads.Castillo, at 6'4," could help ease first year coach Chito Victolero's size woes. The wildcard in Victolero's lineup is 6'1" comboguard Maniego, son of former pro Romy dela Rosa.
Outlook: Victolero takes over a squad whose key cogs weren't integral parts of the rotation of his predecessor, Leo Isaac. In simplerterms, Mapua "veterans" Acosta, Cornejo and Cinco will be playing unfamiliar roles as starters or, at least, key second-stringers.
Mangahas, last year's Rookie of the Year, will be the Cards' main gun. Much of the offense will revolve around him, as well as Cornejo, who had aconsistent summer. Guillermo, Espinosa, Sarangay and Soriano round out a rotation that'll be looking to up the tempo and stay aggressive on the defensiveend, particularly the perimeter.
Prognosis: Mapua's four-year Final Four streak will most likely come to an end this year. Its losses are just too heavy, and thosefilling their shoes aren't the most scarred veterans in town. However, the Cardinals won't be as bad as people think. Six wins is a groundedprojection, while eight should already be considered a success for this rebuilding school.
University of Perpetual Help Altas
2008 Record: 2-12, 8th place
Head Coach: Boris Aldeguer (1st Year)
Key Losses: Rommel Balboa, Franz Dysam, Neil de la Cruz, Mike Kong, Jibbson Kong, Andy Mejos, Harry Petilos, Ronald Reyes
Key Additions: Jonathan Belorio, Billy Carullo, Chrisper Elorpe, Lester Dickens, Michael de la Cruz, Vincent Medrana, Lawrence Manalo, Stevenson Suyat,Jason Salvado, Dale Villadoes.
Holdovers: Raffy Ynion, Nathaniel Salanga, John Galabin, Rommel Vivero, Christian Liaz, Robert Hainga
Background: Newly appointed Head Coach Boris Aldeguer will have his hands full this Season from an already dismal performance lastyear. Though this former coach of the De La Salle Zobel Green Archers know how to win, still, doubt lingers on how the Altas will perfom in Season 85 withthe kind of material they've assembled for the war ahead.
Key Changes: With Ronald Reyes and Neil De La Cruz out due to an ACL injury while Franz Dysam opted to stay in his hometown inCebu City to attend to some family matters, the point Guard chores will be left in the hands of rookie Chris Elorpe. John Galabin will be expected to start asthe utility man for this squad and will be expected to contribute more from his 3-points in 15 minute production last year.
Outlook: Without a legitimate big man on board, Coach Aldeguer will have to rely on natural small forward, Nathaniel Salanga andburly Raffy Ynion to take care of the shaded area on both ends. Coach Aldeguer will have to his point of attack from the perimeter and on occasion, ifsituations would permit, the Altas can draw out the opposing team's big man then use their natural abilities to take advantage. With their lack ofceiling, expect the Altas to rebound the basketball by committee and Coach Aldeguer to preach transition defense.
Prognosis: Even with his credentials, without much talent, Coach Aldeguer will have to whip-in his creative juices to keep theAltas on course in every quarter, in every situation of every game for them to win and it will be a struggle. "I have some recruits in the pipeline andare now undergoing residency but that will be for next season", said Coach Aldeguer. This Season 85, learning will be a plus, but winning will be anotherhuge minus for the Altas this year.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags
2008 Record: 9-5, Fifth, Eliminated in a playoff for a Final Four slot
Coach: Renato Agustin (1st Season)
Key Losses: Jason Ballesteros, Franz Delgado, Froilan Saquillo, Jim Viray, Vergel Zulueta,
Key Additions: Calvin Abueva, Raffy Gusi, Jason Gatchalian, Erickson Gatchalian, Dexter Maiquez, Ronald Pascual, Ian Sangalang.
Holdovers: Jimbo Aquino, Raymond Maconocido, Mark Bringas, Gilbert Bulawan, Jonathan Semira, Dave Najorda, John Paul Raymundo, Anthony Del Rio, RobertoBartolo
Background: If it wasn't for the JRU Heavy Bombers' resurgence late in the elimination round, San Sebastian could betasting its first trip to the Final Four since Season 81. But even without Jason Ballesteros and Jim Viray, newly appointed Golden Stags Head Coach will stillhave the priviledge of leading this team to another crack at the playoffs and maybe, all the way to the finals.
Key Changes: Changes are for the better. The Golden Stags have just added more weapons into their stockpile of an alreadyskillful line up. Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang are legitimate "basketball players" that can play on both ends in two or maybe upto three positions. Raymaundo, Aquino, Bringas, Bulawan and Najorda already form a reliable core for, adding these three into the mix will make the GoldenStags a nasty team ready for primetime.
Outlook: With the massive build, the Golden Stags are now poised to at least reach the Final Four. The possibility ofgoing all the way to the finals is on the horizon. This team has been prepped up to match up with anyone in the league plus the fact that Coach Ato Agustin isa proven winner since his playing days in the pros and that alone can inject some needed toughness, a staple they lacked last year under Coach JorgeGallent.
Prognosis: The Golden Stags are ready to turn the corner this Season 85. They have the manpower, the pieces plus the skills witha new coach, San Sebastian has the opportunity to go all the way.
San Beda College Red Lions
2008 Record: 11-3, Split Final Four Series with the Mapua Cardinals, NCAA Season 84 Champions vs. JRU Heavy Bombers, 2-1, 3rd Straight NCAA Title.
Head Coach: Frankie Lim (3rd year)
Key Losses: Sam Ekwe, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor, Kris Taupa, Eduardo Canlas
Key Additions: Sudan Daniel, Rome de la Rosa, Anjo Caram
Holdovers: Chico Tirona, Borgie Hermida, Bam Gamalinda, Jom Villanueva, J.R. Tecson, Jay-R Taganas, Dave Marcelo, Jake Pascual, Gino Soliman, GarvoLanete.
Background: Three Championships is an accomplishment for an Institution that has waited 28 years. For a team that is so talented,it lost focus in mid-season mix it up with unexpected events and was on the verge of self-destruction at seasons' end if not for Coach Frankie Lim'siron hand that kept the ship sailing until confetti flowed from above the coliseum to ceremoniously ignite San Beda's historic quest.
Key Changes: Leadership and imposing elements in this team will be slightly absent with Pong Escobal and Sam Ekwe finally hangingup their collegiate jerseys. Borgie Hermida, with a bit of a disability after suffering an ACL injury during the 2008 PCC, will have to take cudgels at thePoint Guard spot assuming his playing condition is up to par. While Hermida is getting his game rythm back, expect Chico Tirona or Jom Villanueva to sharesome minutes at the point guard spot. After a year of waiting, Sudan Daniel will finally suit up his Red and White uniform to take care of the middle on bothends and has showed some improvement during the later part of the preseason after their training in Indiana, U.S.A. Another great addition is 6′3 two-guard,small forward Rome de la Rosa touted as the actual replacement to Ogie Menor who opted to turn pro after years of service with San Beda.
Outlook: The Red Lions are still loaded but this edition is not as overawe as last year. For 3rd year head coach Frankie Lim,this will be the most challenging season of his collegiate coaching career. The Red Lions still have the experience and talent to realistically reach theFinal Four, better yet, enter the Finals for the 4th consecutive time. But a 4th consecutive title? I sincerely believe that the juices have run out and itsabout time to put their feet back on the ground.
Prognosis: The Red Lions are still strong in all departments. The Red Lions had three championships not because of their offense,its their stern commitment to defense that has made them tough to beat. Their defense triggers their transition attack and their offense is sound when theyshare the ball and head hunt for the open man.
Arellano University Chiefs
Credential: 14th and 15th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) Back to Back Champions
Head Coach: Alfie Martinez (1st Year)
Key Losses: Jordan Melano and Orlando Daroya.
Holdovers: Jerome Agustin - Guard, Leonard Anquilo - Guard, Andrian Celada - Forward
Isaiah Ciria Cruz - Forward, Giorgio Ciria Cruz - Center, Ronnel Del Rosario - Center
Ed Rivera - Center, Rodrigo Apostol - Guard, Jerry Miranda - Shooting Guard, Allen Paul Virtudazo - Forward
Additions: Rodan Reducto (Rookie)- Forward, John Marco Tayontong (Rookie) - Guard
Ralph Crysler Salcedo (Rookie) - Forward, Erwin Catapang (Rookie) - Center, Mark Russel Dimla (Rookie) - Guard
Background: The Chiefs are entering Season 85 with a lot of enthusiasm. Their much publicized echoing intentions of joining the league hasfinally been answered. Now that their here, can they handle the limelight of playing in the oldest collegiate league in the land.
Key Changes: Arellano will be without two of their most valuable assets in multi faceted swingman Orlando Daroya and utility man JoudanMelano. Interesting note though, the Chiefs will be parading probably on record, the smallest point guard to play in the NCAA, 5′1 Leonard Anquilo. JeromeAgustin will start as led point guard while Allen Paul Virtudazo can easily switch from small forward to two-guard depending on need when the smaller butspeedy Anquilo is on the floor. Veteran Adrian Celada will be their primary scorer to compliment the Ciria Cruz's - Gio and Isaiah in the shaded areawhile Center Ed Rivera will come off the bench for relief duties.
Outlook: It is Alfie Martinez's rookie year as head coach after serving time with Arellano as player. Athletic Director and former headcoach Leo Isaac made sure that he left the Chiefs in capable hands. With almost half the roster filled with fresh manpower, expect the Chiefs to strugglebut will make life miserable for some teams in the league.
Prognosis: If they play up to their potential and put their money were their mouth is, Arellano can do some damage if the others start totake them for granted and not pay attention, after all, a badge that says back to back champions is a rarity in any league. They came into the NCAA a winnerand the Chiefs will surely come out every game to prove a point.
Angeles University Foundation Great Danes
Head Coach: Eric Gascon
Projected Starting Five: Dian Paulo Henson - 5′7 Point Guard, Aaron Santos - 6′1 Shooting Guard, Limmuel Moises Manarang - 6′2 Small Forward,Matthew Gray Carney - 6′4 Power Forward, Tristan Perez, Small Gerard Gigante - 6′4 Center
Off the Bench: 6′2 Jethron Dumlao, 6′3 Guian Arnell Fuertez, 5′7 Patrick Musni
Others: Donald Kenneth Calma, 6′4 Jon Cayanan, Chucky Gomez, 6′3 Rowell Maniago, Tristan Perez, Ralph Nacu, Kevin Frederick Sazon.
Another proven winner with a National Students Basketball Championship under its belt, the Great Danes are another addition in the NCAA's long search tofill the last remaining slot in the league.
There are two players to watch for in the Great Danes line up namely, Filipino American Forward Matthew Carney and exciting and athletic utility man AaronSantos. Questions arise on how the Great Danes will perform is a much bigger stage. But if they're looking for a challenge, they really came to the rightplace to strut their stuff.
