MANILA, Philippines – Big games to start a big season.
Defending champion San Beda and runner-up Mapua headline the favorites when the NCAA kicks off its 100th season on Saturday, September 7, with a blockbuster doubleheader at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A rematch of last year’s semifinals opens the action in the 10-team men’s basketball tournament as the country’s oldest collegiate league marks a milestone year.
“I already forgot that we won the championship last year…in terms of preparations, we can say that we prepared for the whole year, which we needed,” said Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta during a league press conference on Tuesday, September 3.
The San Beda Red Lions battle the Lyceum Pirates at 2:30 pm, while runner-up Mapua Cardinals tangle with the College of St. Benilde Blazers at 5 pm.
NCAA Finals MVP James Payosing banners San Beda’s campaign anew along with Jomel Puno and Yukien Andrada.
Mapua’s Clint Escamis, the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player, also fiound an able partner in new recruit Chris Hubilla, who transferred from the UP Fighting Maroons.
“[Hubilla’s] entry is a huge addition to the team,” Escamis said as the Cardinals also reel from the departure of star center Warren Bonifacio.
“His energy is infectious, especially on the defensive side. And he’s the kind of player who doesn’t have a negative attitude,” Escamis added in Filipino.
NCAA school officials said the league remains committed to providing a rich legacy in Philippine sports as it celebrates a historic year.
The league has produced some of the country’s best athletes, including FIBA Hall of Famer Carlos Loyzaga.
“What we see here is something that is different, it is the excitement of which, sports are played very high. The development of athletes, they come from all walks of life,” said NCAA management committee member Hercules Callanta of Lyceum.
“You see them develop to their best at the end of their career in the NCAA. That provides us with a rich legacy and pamana (heritage) to the sporting industry and community in the Philippines.” – Rappler.com