SAN BEDA will be the hands down favorite in Season 95 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament that unfurls on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Red Lions have won 11 of the last 13 senior titles—including the last three seasons. They won last year via a sweep of eliminations top-notcher Lyceum of the Philippines University.
But the competition may have gotten a little tougher after almost all of the nine teams tweaked their roster with the superior goal of toppling the mighty Red Lions.
“All the teams beefed up their rosters. We’re out to defend the crown but it’s going to be hard against good coaches and players,” San Beda Head Coach Boyet Fernandez told a press conference on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
San Beda boasts of a young core after its veterans, Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon, moved up to the pros.
Cameroonian big man Donald Tankoua gets to play a heavier role, while guards James Canlas and Evan Nelle will man the backcourt for the Mendiola-based squad.
The Red Lions will open their campaign against the Letran Knights in the curtain-raiser on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Runners-up for the past two years, Lyceum was left with a tougher task to punch a return ticket to the Finals in the absence of CJ Perez.
Perez, the top pick in the Philippine Basketball Association Draft, made his mark as one of the school’s best products. Now up for the challenge are Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu and twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino.
“Everyone is stepping up from their pre-season tournaments. This is going to be an exciting season,” Pirates Coach Topex Robinson said.
Jose Rizal University, Mapua, Arellano and Letran have new coaches, while College of Saint Benilde, San Sebastian and University of Perpetual Help added key players with hopes of going far to the playoffs.
Tonichi Pujante was named basketball commissioner.
Image credits: Stephanie Tumampos