History continues to be written.

It’s a known fact the San Beda Red Cubs junior basketball team, currently with 19 championship titles, has produced, and is continuing to produce, some of the greatest collegiate and professional players in the Philippines.

However, it’s also a known fact that most players from the Red Cubs program often transfer to UAAP schools.

But, in recent years, key players have also made the jump from the Red Cubs to the Red Lions. Names like Ogie Menor, J.R. Tecson, Jay-R Taganas, Borgie Hermida, Dave Marcelo and Garvo Lanete have been hailed for their contributions in the three-peat from 2006 to 2009, as well as  back-to-back championships from 2010 to 2012.

Last June 24, a new breed of lions earned its page in San Beda’s history.

A seemingly insurmountable feat

It was unusual to see only six valiant men in red and white entering the court; nonetheless, the Bedan crowd was on its feet.

Being in an advantageous position, the Arellano crowd was also in a frenzy as its 15-man lineup ran in. That moment, most people thought it a daunting task to outlast 15 men. But to doubt its heroes is not the Bedan way.

Even though the first quarter was a barrage of three-pointers from the Arellano squad, each basket scored by the Red Lions was met with a loud applause from the San Beda crowd. At one point the lead was 12 points, which at the end of the first quarter was down to seven (21-28).

The heart of the red lion prevails

As the second quarter ended with the Chiefs leading by only two, it became evident that the depleted lineup still had a chance.

That spark of hope turned brighter at the end of the third quarter—the Red Lions were leading by nine (63-54).

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Bedan Red Army almost went berserk cheering. Each point by the Red Lions made the Bedan fans jump from their seats.

Down to five men, with Jun Bonsubre fouling out, the odds seemed against the mighty “Super Six.”

With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, tension filled the San Juan Arena. The Lions smelled blood. The two-digit lead of the Red Lions went down to as low as four. One had to be lion-hearted to surmount that moment.

As Richie Villaruz, the former La Salle Greenhills cager, scored to seal the deal, the San Beda College Band played the San Beda Victory Song. The Red Lions beat the odds, proving that the heart of a Lion is the heart of a champion.

Unity defies adversity

“Bring out the challenges, we’ll win them all,” as the lyrics of the Bedan hymn go. Truly, the display of unity by the players, the coaching staff and the crowd defied adversity. There is no “I” in team, as they say.

One of the themes of the Rule of St. Benedict is the appreciation of community life, how one individual can develop by living side by side with another.

Much like in Benedictine monastic life, the Red Lions are like brothers, sharing hardships and triumphs.

The Bedan community, the Red Army, students and alumni alike, show their support and appreciation for the hard court heroes for bringing pride and glory to the Lion’s den.

In addition to that, Ora et Labora (pray and work), the motto of St. Benedict, was truly shown by the young Lions.

They willed and worked their way to victory and dedicated it to the glory of God as they sang the Bedan hymn, “For San Beda, our country and God.”

Cubs no more

The cubs have turned into lions. The maturity and skill the “Super Six” showed earned them much respect.

Now, the names Yvan Ludovice, Arthur de la Cruz, Richie Villaruz (not to be confused with Ritchie Villacruz), Dave Moralde, Francis Abarcar and Jun-Jun Bonsubre are part of Philippine basketball history.

The Red Lions are on the right track to making “R3p3at the 3-P3at” a reality, as they start NCAA Season 88 with a 1-0 record and soaring momentum.

source: Mervin J. Fernando, Inquirer 2bU

THE future looked grim indeed going into the 88th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season.

The San Beda Red Lions were going into battle terribly scarred and still hurting from the late 2011 incident that rocked their world. Their phalanxes were incomplete, their equanimity was threatened.

True, they had boasted of a heads-up performance in the Pre-Season Cup, staying undefeated all the way to the semifinals, but eventually bowing to La Salle in those semis to wind up fourth overall in the final standings. But their third-year-in-a-row dominance of the Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup in February—only weeks away from the St. Placid Gym incident—gave a hint of their special spirit and character. Their incredible 89-66 trouncing of the Arellano University Chiefs in that earlier league showed these Lions were still formidable, no matter if they had that proverbial thorn in the foot.

From the outside looking in, it looked like this would be a different season for the Mendiola Bloc. The NCAA Mancom’s (Management Committee) decision to suspend eight Red Lions all at once—Kyle Pascual, captain ball Jake Pascual, Jaypee Mendoza, Ryusei Koga, Rome de la Rosa, Melo Lim, Baser Amer and Anjo Caram—was eyebrow-raising to say the least.

Bedans and their supporters found it downright harsh. The companion board decision to ban foreign players from being recruited to play in the league was seen by many as a ploy to prevent San Beda from playing with power players like Sam Ekwe, Sudan Daniel and Ola Ogeodun. Foreign players were allegedly seen by rival teams who sat on the board as San Beda’s main ticket to greatness and their continuing dominance in the league. So they wanted to remove the perceived amulet. To add a more bitter vetch to the equation, even players who had used up their playing years—Garvo Lanete, Sudan Daniel and Mar Villahermosa—were handed two-game suspensions, too. Ola Ogeodun—the San Beda foreign player whose complaint to his coach that the San Sebastian volleyball players had hurled him a racial slur started the melee—was given a one-year suspension (which has since been lessened to eight games).

“Why should I get the suspension?” Ola asked upon learning of the board decision. “I was the victim here. Why me?”

The unkindest cut of all, however, seemed to be the suspension for two years of Frankie Lim, the Beda coach who had given the Lions four NCAA titles.

“I wish the board were more consistent,” Gery Cuna Sabinosa, a staunch SBC booster, said. “The NCAA is suddenly very strict with San Beda. But in 2007 there was an incident during a Letran-Beda game at the Makati Coliseum where Letran coach Louie Alas went up to the gallery to confront San Beda alumni who were heckling Letran. Even Letran players were involved. How come there was no sanction on Alas and Letran? There was another game between Emilio Aguinaldo College and Letran where the conflict spilled over after the game. Even the coaches were involved. But there were no sanctions. Now there are stiff sanctions for an incident that did not even happen within a game?”

So with a new coach (Ronnie Magsanoc who replaced the embattled Frankie Lim), a depleted lineup and a big chip on their collective shoulder, the Red Lions entered the fray on Sunday, June 24, already defeated in the minds of those who could not conceive of them winning with just six players. To make things more interesting Yvan Ludovice, Art de la Cruz, Ritchie Villaruz, Francis Abarcar and Junjun Bonsubre were all rookies. Only one—Dave Moralde—was not. But he was only a sophomore.

As expected the Arellano University Chiefs—who is curiously coached by Koy Banal, the man who gave San Beda its glorious win in “28 at 82” back in 2006—raced to a fast start, 24-12 in the first quarter, confirming what everyone had expected all along. How can you win with only six?

But unlike the Oklahoma Thunder, the Lions did not wait till the fourth quarter to claw back and make a roar. By the end of the second quarter they had come abreast of the Chiefs. In the second half, naysayers got indigestion from eating their words. A 16-2 run by San Beda courtesy of Art de la Cruz and Ritchie Villaruz would turn the tide and show that David and Goliath stories still happen. There was no looking back, just blazing spirit and fire in the belly all afternoon long for the young Bedans who were still Lion Cubs just out on their first foray in Zebra Land. Just cheers and prayers from the ecstatic San Beda gallery who were up on their feet, shouting “Puso!”, and felt that this first game of the season was already the end-season championship game.

In the end, the young Lions had achieved the seemingly impossible. They had beaten a full component 15-man team with a six-man roster, with one even fouling out in the fourth canto. Ludovice played without relief from start to finish. Coach Ronnie Magsanoc had masterfully paced his precious manpower from start to finish, calmed them down when their fire seemed like it would burn themselves out, goaded them on to finish and give it their all.

“It was all heart,” the returning Red Cub, coach Ronnie Magsanoc said. “It was exhausting but extremely rewarding in the end. Nobody gave them a chance but they worked hard for every possession and played with passion throughout.”

It was a proud moment for the Red Sea of San Beda Faithful, undoubtedly. They who felt persecuted and harassed by their perceived opponents felt vindication and deliverance with just one statement game. With that game, San Beda’s “Children’s Crusade” earned its place in their school’s history. The Super Six are now part of San Beda lore and basketball history.

source: Tessa Jazmines, Business Mirror

Just a few days after absorbing one major blow to their campaign for a three-peat, the San Beda Red Lions found themselves celebrating for the birth of six new heroes in the early going of the 88th season of the NCAA.

Playing with just six players, the San Beda Red Lions triumphantly defended their opener against the gritty Arellano University Chiefs through the heart and determination of the so-called “Super Six” namely Yvan Ludovice, Art dela Cruz, Dave Moralde, Ritchie Villaruz, Francis Abarcar and Jun Bonsubre.

“There is no short cut formula for that win,” Coach Ronnie Magsanoc proudly said of his players. “The coaches did their part but it was all about the players in that game.” he added.

And right now, he’s right. It’s all about the players in Mendiola.

You enter the premises of San Beda and a big tarpaulin congratulating the Super Six for their monumental win will welcome you. You talk to the guards and the utility men and the words “Super Six” will be coming out of their mouths. In the hearts of Bedans everywhere, they’re heroes. They’re the one who held their fortress when their big guns were out and rightfully so, they’re getting the recognition they deserve.

“Kala namin nag champion na kami pag tapos nung laro.” Bedan forward Art dela Cruz said in jest.

“It was very overwhelming; it was a huge win for us.” Point guard Yvan Ludovice added.

These kids also drew strength from the sea of red supporters who, on a Sunday exerted efforts to be at the venue to witness a non-televised game.

It was a game that is now written in the history book of the NCAA.

Preparing history

Things weren’t easy for Coach Ronnie Magsanoc before the game as he had to adjust and lead six players, including four rookies, against the veteran team of Arellano. Dealing with the four game suspension of key recruit Olaide Adeogun is tough, but the fact that the rookie Coach will be starting his NCAA career as a coach with six players is tougher.

“That was the coldest dug out I’ve ever been in,” Coach Ronnie said. “Walang players e, nakakapanibago.”

Heading to the game, Coach Ronnie basically told his players to disregard the handicap and just play their game. Good thing for the Beda fans, the players held their own and dug down deep to give their famed coach his first ever victory in the NCAA as a head coach.

“I told them to view it as a challenge, not as a handicap,” Magsanoc said. “Luckily, the boys came out with a fighting heart. “

The super six, for their part, talked all about unity when asked about their mentality heading to the opener.

“We just had to stay together, walang hihiwalay, magstick lang sa gamplan. “ Ludovice said.

“Puso lang, walang bibitaw hanggang huli.” Dela Cruz added.

Another thing that Coach Ronnie pointed out is the help of the nine other players who were suspended who helped out preparing the Super Six in their historical win against Arellano.

“The nine other players who weren’t available for their first game really pushed the Super Six during training,” Magsanoc said. “It wasn’t written in the papers, it wasn’t really known in the media but the nine other players did their part as well.”

Welcome addition

After the monumental win with just six players, questions rose with how Coach Ronnie will be handling his rotation following the performances of his Super Six. Asked if the six players will now be part of his regular rotation, Coach Ronnie answered:

“It’s a happy problem. It’s something that we can use, added depth in the roster,”

“Given that I can’t use all 15 men every game, it really depends on the situation, but as I’ve said, it’s a happy problem.” Coach Ronnie added.

Coach Ronnie also talked about what to expect from the Lions after his big guns return for their next game and Ola returns after four games of suspension.

“You can expect a hard working team. We’ll always try to outwork our opponents. “ Coach Ronnie said.

The new heroes of Mendiola wasn’t just overwhelmed with the win but for the overwhelming support that they got during the game and all the adoration that they’re  getting after holding the fort for their Alma Mater.  Asked to send a message to the San Beda community, the Super Six held the same thought in sending a message to the Bedan fans. Art dela Cruz talked in behalf of the team;

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng suporta! Dahil sa suporta nila, binigyan kami ng lakas para maglaro at ipanalo yung laro na yun.”

source: NCAA Philippines

Article by Jutt Sulit

Winning is everything. We hear players throw this around all the time. But whether they mean it or not, winning feels good. It feels really, really good.

This leads us to a common question. What does it take to win in basketball? It’s a fair query. All players (at least, I’d like to assume) have pondered upon what they have to do to win games. That’s the first step – knowing what it takes. However, I think the better question is: what does it take to not lose?

To win basketball games, it has to start from hating to lose. It must feel disgusting to lose. This feeling creates a drive to overcome defeat. It generates an urgency to win. And that’s what we saw from San Beda against Arellano.

After the infamous brawl between the San Sebastian Volleyball Team and the San Beda Basketball Team, more than half of the Red Lions were suspended for the first game of the new season. They ended up having only six players for their NCAA88 opener against the Chiefs. Thus, the group was labeled the “Super Six”.

It was a crazy game. Arellano had a hot start. But in basketball, the start of games seldom defines the outcome. As hard as it is to say, the best example would probably be the Lakers. In fact, they deserve recognition. I believe the Lakers own the NBA record for “Losing the Most Number of Games Despite Leading by Halftime”.

San Beda won over Arellano with neither talent nor skill. Heart did. That’s the only thing that could’ve. When you play with six players, you’re not supposed to win. You’re supposed to be crushed, demolished. But the Super Six found a way. They just would not accept defeat.

Three of the Super Six are fresh from high school. Two are transferees. The other just got called up again from Team B. None of the veterans were on this squad of six. None of their usual go-to guys were there. During the game, one of the six Red Lions even fouled out.

The Chiefs played hard. It was obvious that they wanted to win too. However, six Red Lions simply refused to lose. That made all the difference.

San Beda Head Coach Ronnie Magsanoc said it himself, “It was all heart.”

It all starts in the gym. That’s what they usually say about winning – that it starts in practice. But heart isn’t something you can practice. It’s innate. It’s usually hard to differentiate “wanting to win” from “refusing to lose”. It’s even more difficult to compare the efforts of two teams that played hard. But when a commando unit of six players defeats a more experienced opponent, it becomes a little easier to tell.

source: MicoHalili.blogspot.com

Post by Mike Abasolo of Inhoundpass

It’s roughly easy to assemble a 10 or 8 collegiate basketball all-star cast. But if you narrow down your selection to just 5 of the best players from both leagues this season, run a 5 on 5 simulation in your head, tickle your college hoops fantasy for a moment then have a glimpse on a plausible dream match-up?

My NCAA Starting Five:

1.Point Guard – Kevin Alas, Letran Knights. A combo guard that can create and score at will. . Went down with an injury during the preseason but had a marvelous performance against the Golden Stags on NCAA Opening Day with 31-points and a 41% field goal percentage.

2.Shooting Guard – Josan Nimes, Mapua Cardinals. 12.9 points during the preseason. Had a 13 point performance in 35 minutes of action in their opening loss against JRU.  Can create, attack and score.  The trigger of the Cardinals’ offensive attack.

3.Small Forward – Carlo Lastimosa, College Of St. Benilde Blazers. An average defender, but if you need instant offense, a player that can run the break, finish and probably go to the free throw line, this is the guy you bet on. His average of 13 points per game with a 41% shooting clip from the field during the preseason is enough to warrant any coach’s attention.

4.Power Forward – Calvin Abueva, San Sebastian Golden Stags. Better known as “The Beast”.  There is no one like him in any league and he’s arguably the most feared player in his position.

He is the preseason’s 2nd leading scorer at 19.5 points per game and 6th in rebounding with 10.9 per game. He is so tough to contain and has a real nose for the ball. Has quietly polished his jump shot and has made some occasional 3-pointers, shutting him down will be difficult.5

5.Center – Ola Adeogun, San Beda Red Lions. By far, perhaps the most skillful foreign player to set foot in Philippine Collegiate Basketball. Also a physical specimen though not as intimidating as his predecessor – Sam Ekwe, he’s armed with a quiet 10 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during the preseason, his 6’8 presence in the shaded area is still a force to reckon with.

My UAAP Starting Five:

1.Center – Greg Slaughter, Ateneo Blue Eagles. From 13.5 points and 9.3 rebounds in UAAP Season 74 to 18 points and 10 rebounds per game during the preseason. Numbers that translate  Armageddon for teams that will compete against the defending champions in Season 75. He is the anchor.  The pillar of strength on both ends for the Blue Eagles. Has improved thru the years since his days with the UV Green Lancers. Tough and resilient. Another dominant season awaits for Slaughter.

2.Power Forward – Norbert Torres, De La Salle Green Archers.  A natural Power Forward. Has a nice midrange touch. Has great hands. 11 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes per game during the preseason for the Green Archers. Can he take them to the promise land? His ultimate test awaits.

3.Small Forward – Bobby Ray Parks, NU Bulldogs. UAAP Season 74′s scoring leader at 20-points per game. During the preseason, he ranked 3rd at 18.5 points per game. A clutch player in the making. The Bulldogs’ ultimate go-to-guy and the most dangerous player in the league. At crunch time, you’ll see the ball in his hands almost all the time.  If you need to go to the free throw line, just dial Bobby Ray.

4.Shooting Guard – Keifer Ravena, Ateneo Blue Eagles.  He had a momentous rookie year – 13 points and 4 assists per game.

His numbers has slipped during the preseason, shooting a meager 27% from the field, far below expectations. Some coaches say they’ve figured him out.  That he’s become predictable. Players have noticed his tendencies. I reckon he’ll figure this thing out. Deception is his main weapon. He ain’t the phenom for nothing. This kid has great instincts and he’s smart.

5.Point Guard – RR Garcia, FEU Tamaraws.  In my view, Garcia is still the best point guard in the league. He led his team in scoring last season at 16 per game, and still is at 13.8 and 4 assists per game during the preseason. He is the undisputed leader of the Tamaraws. Their fortunes rests on how well he plays this season.

Six Red Lions were all new San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc needed to obtain his first win in the 88th Season of the NCAA earlier today at the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.  Saddled with suspensions on eight players, the defending champions relied on just five rookies and a sophomore to post a shocking 81-71 victory over Arellano University.  

Magsanoc called Yvan Ludovice, Arthur Dela Cruz, Jon Villaruz, Francis Abarcar, Antonio Bonsubre, and second-year player Dave Moralde his “Super Six.”  Serving one-game suspensions for their involvement in a melee during an NCAA volleyball game held in San Beda last year were mainstays Jake Pascual, Rome Dela Rosa, Baser Amer, Anjo Caram, Melo Lim, Ryusei Koga and Kyle Pascual, while 6’8” Nigerian rookie Olaide Adeogun was slapped a four-game ban.

“It’s all about the heart of the boys,” said first-year coach Magsanoc, who replaced Frankie Lim just a few months ago after the latter was banned for two years for the same incident that caused the suspension of the eight players.  Team patron Manny V. Pangilinan likened the upset victory to the 300 Spartans that stood their ground against tens of thousands of charging Persians in the movie “300.”

The Chiefs seemed headed for an easy triumph as they buried six treys in the first quarter, to post a couple of 12-point leads, and enter the second period on top, 28-21.  But the gritty Red Lions started the second canto like a house on fire with a 10-5 salvo, to tie the count for the first and last time at 33-all, with still 5:46 remaining in the half.  Arellano however countered with a three-point shot each from Rocky Acidre, Levi Hernandez and Larry Malanday to take the half, 44-42.  The Chiefs shot 10 of 16 from beyond the arc in the first half.

But the second half was an entirely different story with regard to the Chiefs’ offense as they missed all their eleven three-point attempts.  In contrast, the Red Lions used almost to perfection a deliberate half-court game and a tough defensive stand that ignited a 16-2 run to give them their largest advantage in the game at 58-46, with 2:05 left in the third.  

A fierce battle ensued in the fourth canto with the Chiefs staging mini-rallies.  But as if joining the celebrations of the festive San Juan Day, the Red Lions repeatedly doused cold water on Arellano’s attempted comebacks. 

The Chiefs came to within five points four times in the final quarter, the last at 68-73 with still 2:22 remaining in the game.  But Abarcar, Ludovice and Villaruz each converted crucial jumpers in the homestretch to preserve the win for San Beda.

All Red Lions except for Bonsubre scored in double digits.  Ludovice and Dela Cruz, both former Red Cubs who played one season for National University and Ateneo respectively in the UAAP before returning to Mendiola, led the Red Lions with 18 markers each.  Villaruz, a recruit from La Salle Greenhills, added 17 points, including four treys, while last year’s NCAA Juniors Finals MVP Abarcar chipped in sixteen. Moralde, who was also in the 2010 roster, had twelve points. The Red Lions also outrebounded the Chiefs, 46-38.

Moralde, and Ludovice, who played for 40 minutes, started having cramps in the middle of the fourth quarter but chose to carry on, smelling an upset in the making.  

A sizeable San Beda crowd came to cheer the embattled team on and was delighted in the valiant effort of the “Super Six.”  With less than two minutes to go, and with SBC ahead, 75-68, the Bedan die-hards began to chant “Puso!” as if to egg the Red Lions to hold on to the sweet victory. 

The Red Lions are off to another good start this season in their quest for a three-peat and a 17th overall basketball title in the NCAA Senior division.  San Beda is currently tied with Letran for most championships at 16 each.

This bizarre win spoiled the debut of Koy Banal as new mentor of Arellano.  Banal was at the helm of the Red Lions when they won the 2006 crown.  The following year, Lim took over and led San Beda to four more titles in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

source: Coach Jude Roque

Former Red Cub and Super Six member Yvan Ludovice talks about his experience playing for San Beda with only six of them but still managed to defeat a 12-man Arellano U.

Coach Ronnie Magsanoc shares his insights on SBC's super six and how the manage to defeat an opponent with a complete line-up.

Undermanned, against all odds.  These are the type of games you only see in the movies.  Probably you’ve seen the movie by Gil Bellows titled Second String in 2002 and you’ll get the picture.

3 rookies, 2 NCAA 1st timers, 1 veteran Red Lion, 5 former Red Cubs and 1 former member of the LSGH Greenies has done the impossible.  An amazing historical feat.  Undeniably one for the books.  Probably unheard of in Philippine College Basketball.

Call them the Fantastic 6.  The Fearless Half-Dozen. Like those Hollywood documentaries about the Special Forces or Navy Seals.  For the San Beda Community, they were known as the Super Six. The kind of players in every coach’s wish list.

The San Beda Red Lions scored their 1st win of NCAA Season 88 with a victory over the Arellano Chiefs, 81-71 at the Arena in San Juan City.

Down 12 plus a strong 1st quarter performance by the Chiefs that included a barrage of 3-pointers from Larry Malanday and Rocky Acidre, the Red Lions managed to tie the ball game at 33-all with 5:40 left in the 2nd Quarter.  Then Dave Moralde, with his 7 of 12-points in the 2nd period, scored on a baseline lay-up to come to within 2 to close the 1st half.

Art De la Cruz, who had 7 of his 18 points in the 3rd quarter and a game high 14 rebounds, made it a 49-46 lead for San Beda at the 5:18 mark.

Antonio Bonsubre committed his 5th and final foul at the 7:12 mark of the 4th with the Red Lions on top, 65-54.

“It’s all about the heart of my players,” said San Beda Red Lions Head Coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

Absolutely and his players believed.  Almost like their story during the preseason, the Chiefs tried to make another drastic comeback.  With a 4-0 attack midway thru the final period, Arellano tried to close the gap, but back to back clutch baskets from Francis Abarcar and a midrange jumper by Jon Villaruz from the right wing kept the Red Lions safely out of harms way until the final buzzer.

Despite being shorthanded, his 6 players still out-rebounded the Chiefs 46-38 and had 21 turnover points compared to Arellano’s 2.   “It was a win that they worked hard for it and every possession. I thought we were beaten when we were down by few points and eventually we made the necessary adjustments.”

Abarcar had 16-points with 8-points in the 4th quarter while Villaruz contributed for 17-points and 8 rebounds for the Red Lions.

“Exhausting for them but extremely rewarding. It was a huge challenge and they were able to overcome.”

source: Inboundpass

San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc dubbed Francis Abarcar, Ritchie Villaruz, Jun Bonsubre, Yvan Ludovice, Art Dela Cruz and Dave Moralde his “Super Six” after the rest of the Red Lions were suspended for their involvment in a brawl at an NCAA volleyball game last year. Baser Amer, Anjo Caram, Rome Dela Rosa, Ryusei Koga, Melo Lim, Jaypee Mendoza, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual and Michole Sorela were each meted a one-game suspension, while Nigerian center Ola Adeogun was banned for four games.

“It’s all heart. It was exhausting for them but extremely rewarding. Trinabaho ng mga bata every possession.” Said Magsanoc.

Arellano led by as much as 12 points, 24-12 in the first period behind the explosive efforts of rookie Larry Malanday and Rocky Acidre, who combined for 17 of the Chiefs’ output in the first ten minutes.

But the Red Lions came roaring back, as Dave Moralde’s undergoal stab tied the knot at 33-all, before Arellano took a two-point halftime lead.

A 16-2 run by San Beda to start off the second half turned things around, with Art Dela Cruz and Ritchie Villaruz anchoring that attack. The Red Lions took over the lead, 58-46 and never looked back.

“Laban lang sabi nung anim, yun ang sinabi nila. They lived up to their promise,” said Magsanoc, who took over at the helm of the Red Lions for Frankie Lim, who was suspended for two years for his role in the same melee.

Dela Cruz, a transferee from Ateneo and the son of former PBA player Art, and Ludovice scored 18 points apiece for the Red Lions, while Villacruz and Abarcar had 17 and 16. Moralde chipped in 12.

“Abarcar was a late addition to the team,” said Magsanoc. “He was not even suppose to be playing this year. His name was submitted two days before the deadline of the eligibility.”

Ludovice, a product of San Beda high school, played all 40 minutes. “Ready lang ako sa mangyayari coming into this game. Di ako nagpupuyat, drank lots of water. And nakatulong yung words of encouragement ng teammates namin na suspended for today’s game. Just goes to show na may tiwala sila sa amin,” he said.

Red Lions team captain Jake Pascual expressed his pride for his teammates’ effort. “Simple lang, we just believe in them, and Coach Ronnie did a great job for us. Puso ang pinanlaban, heart of a true Bedan Lion.”

source: InterAktv

Defending champion San Beda and Arellano debut with their new coaches today in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Game time is at 2 p.m. after their junior counterparts, the Arellano Braves and the San Beda Red Cubs, collide at 12 noon.

The Red Lions, gunning for a third straight title, will start their campaign with only six available players – Francis Abacar, Antonio Bonsubre, Arthur Dela Cruz, Ivan Ludovice, Christian Moralde and Richie Villaruz – as the rest of the players are serving a one-game suspension that stemmed from their involvement in a brawl last year.

Nigerian rookie center Ola Adeogun, however, will miss four games instead of six after getting a reprieve from the league policy board.

"We just have to take it and make the adjustments because it's hard when you're not in control of the situations," said San Beda mentor Ronnie Magsanoc, who replaced Frankie Lim.

"It's a huge challenge, but we're just making sure that we'll be competitive.  I don't want to dwell on the suspensions.  We just have to find the ways to win," he added.

Arellano coach Koy Banal, who filled in the void left by Leo Isaac, is confident of his stalwarts despite being composed mainly of rookies and transferees.

"It's a young team. Maraming adjustments na kailangang gawin, and I just keep on pushing them.  It's not going to happen overnight," said Banal, who has won titles in the UAAP and the NCAA.

The Chiefs placed seventh last year, and although Banal is eyeing the bigger prize, improving last season's performance is their main goal right now.

Vergel Zulueta remains the veteran of the team after having played for four years, while he will get reinforcements from Rocky Acidre, Prince Caperal, Christian Palma and Ralph Salcedo.

source. MB Sports

San Beda College (16-2, champions)

Head Coach: Ronnie Magsanoc

Additions: Francis Abarcar, Ola Adoegun, Jun Bonsubre, Arthur Dela Cruz, Yvan Ludovice, Jaypee Mendoza, Dave Moralde, Ritchie Villaruz

Subtractions: Sudan Daniel, Garvo Lanete, Dave Marcelo, Paolo Pontejos, Anthony Semerad, Dave Semerad, Mar Villahermosa,

Holdovers: Baser Amer, Anjo Caram, Rome Dela Rosa, Ryusei Koga, Melo Lim, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual, Mychole Sorela

Last season, San Beda put to rest silly "you can't win without an import" accusations, going All-Filipino on-route to a second straight title. But part of what allowed the Red Lions to brush off the Sudan Daniel injury was their overwhelming depth. Stacked at every position, they were able to run and gun (15.09 fast break points) and never get tired. They were nigh un-guardable, topping the league in points and all shooting categories, thanks in part to, of course, the best assists mark as well.

This year though, the depth of the Red Lions will truly be tested. They lost five key contributors from last season's campaign, with three true rookies, two transferees and two come-backing players replacing them. A wave of suspensions will force them to field a six-man line-up in their season debut, while their new foreign center, Ola Adeogun, is also suspended, but for the first four games. Even if they were complete, they wouldn't be as explosive on offense as they were last season, due to the personnel changes, which means it'll be defense that will carry the day for them. And you know what they say wins championships…

Player to watch: Team captain Jake Pascual will have to be the glue that will keep San Beda together, as they gun for a three-peat this year. Versatility has always been Pascual's calling card, able to shoot, post up, defend, rebound, as well as assist, and all of that might just be his role as he tries to fill in the gaps of whatever his teammates can't produce at the moment. One thing to note though is new head coach Magsanoc hasn't been able to take advantage of Pascual's passing ability with his assists dropping from 3.0 to 1.0 over the summer.

source: GMA News Sports

The Smart Araneta Coliseum, also known as the Big Dome, has been host to numerous iconic moments in Philippine sports and entertainment history. It is the mecca of the sporting events such as the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA. At present, the Big Dome hosts more than 250 events a year.

The Big Dome is deep into its EXTREME TRANSFORMATION. The Smart Araneta Coliseum is treasuring its glorious heritage as well as leveling up to more state of the art venue features. Not only will its customers enjoy the prestige of watching their favorite sporting event and artists in a venue with such a storied history, it will also do so with extreme viewer pleasure.

Michael Noah, Chief Operating Officer of United Promotions Inc., the management arm of the leisure and entertainment interests of the Araneta Group including the Smart Araneta Coliseum says, “The Extreme Transformation of the Big Dome begins with the majestic façade and interiors of the new Green Gate. The Green Gate welcomes everyone to state –of-the-art features starting with the larger entrance, improved kiosks for retail, scanners at the turnstiles for quicker and more efficient audience entry, and a concourse with LED signages, climate controlled space and video systems.” 

Noah further explains, “The transformation gets even more exciting when the customer enters the coliseum and approaches his new seat. There will be new flooring, ceilings, lighting and seats for viewer comfort. There will also be more rest rooms with newer features.”

Noah said that the Big Dome also boasts of the ideal elevation and classic coliseum seating arrangement that meets international standards. “Unlike other venues, our elevation is just right. Audiences, especially kids who get overly excited during ball games and kiddie shows need not worry about falling over themselves in steeply-inclined seats. You can have the time of your life, dancing and cheering without the fear of falling over the edge,” Noah emphasizes.

Adding to these perks are the conveniences of parking plus access points to the shopping and dining options in and outside the coliseum. Through the new parking building’s second and third levels, customers can enter the coliseum and to their respective sections with ease. There will be drop off points at the new Green Gate. The South Gate entrance will likewise be restored allowing access to the coliseum. One can also find a whole lot of dining and shopping options before and after the coliseum events because escalators from the Big Dome will transport the customers to the award-winning Gateway Mall and the upcoming Gateway Tower.

A HAVEN FOR ATHLETES, PERFOMERS AND PROMOTERS

But the viewers are not the only ones to benefit from the Big Dome’s Extreme Transformation. Even the performers and players are in for a great surprise. Athletes and sports fans will rave over the new sports lighting that will bathe the coliseum interiors. The coliseum’s construction consultants made sure that acoustics, floor and playing conditions are excellent and at par with the world’s best venues.

Over at the back of house, promoters, artists and athletes will love the new locker rooms. The media will also have its designated press room equipped with all the technological tools to transmit their stories in real time. During half-time or during intermission breaks, everyone can enjoy the entertainment and sports club at the front of house.

With a transformation as extreme as that, there is no doubt that just like the Madison Square Garden, the Big Dome will continue to be the cultural icon of the country.

source: http://alexbam2006in3d.blogspot.com

The NCAA and Smart Araneta Coliseum have linked up to hold some of the big games in the country’s oldest collegiate league at the Big Dome starting with the opening of the NCAA’s 88th season tomorrow.

Coaches of the competing schools have also expressed their anticipation of better, more explosive matches at the venue where they snared their most memorable victories.

Michael Noah, chief operating officer of United Promotions Inc., described the partnership between NCAA and Smart Araneta Coliseum as “great cooperation resulting in good competition.”

The NCAA has also tapped a new television partner in AKTV with games to telecast over Monday, Thursday and Saturday starting at 4 p.m.

Various NCAA sports like volleyball, swimming, taekwondo, chess, tennis, table tennis and beach volleyball will also be given full-game coverage and season-long highlights on the premier sports channel on free TV.

“We are very excited to share the college sports experience with our viewers with our partnership with the NCAA,” said Vitto Lazatin, AKTV sports manager. “This year, we are raring to give college sports fans a treat by broadcasting the games at a more convenient time.”

AKTV and NCAA formalized its three-year partnership last April. The NCAA is the latest addition to the line-up of AKTV sports affiliates that includes the UFL (United Football League), PXC (Pacific X-Treme Combat) and the PBA.

Meanwhile, Noah also expressed his excitement to welcome the fans from various schools to the Big Dome.

“The energy of these hotly-contested games can be experienced to the hilt only at the Big Dome because it conforms to elevation, lighting and acoustic standards of world-class venues,” said Noah.

Accessibility is also a big plus with the Big Dome linked to the major transport lines, including MRT and the LRT that connect to most of the schools in the league, making it easier for the students and fans to go and experience world-class viewing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NCAA coaches are also looking forward to having their varsity teams play at the Big Dome, including San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc, who has played 15 championships at the Big Dome.

“This is a place of victory for me. I remember the championship games I played here for San Beda, the University of the Philippines, Shell and as a member of the national team,” said Magsanoc.

“These days I also enjoy concerts in this venue. I am really glad that they are coming up with the parking building because I don’t have to park my car far from the venue any longer. Of course, since I live near the Loyola Heights area in QC, the Big Dome is more accessible to me.”

source: Philstar

The Red Lions are not just gunning for a three-peat but also a 17th overall basketball championship to break out of a tie with Letran at 16 titles each.  But they face rough sailing season with the exodus of their championship core.  In this 88th Season of the NCAA, San Sebastian looms as the team to beat.

Key Losses:

The 2010 and 2011 titles were won by SBC primarily with Garvo Lanete’s sharp sniping, Dave Marcelo and Sudan Daniel manning the paint, and Anthony and David Semerad alternating on shackling Calvin Abueva.  But all these names won’t be in this year’s roster.  Add to that list Mar Villahermosa, who top-scored for the Lions with 15 markers in Game 1 of last year’s finals.  Combining all these players’ norms last year, the team will be missing 40.8 points or almost half of its league leading 82.5 points per game.  

An even more significant departure is that of coach Frankie Lim, the Coach of the Year in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011, the same years that the Lions ruled the league.  Lim resigned after the NCAA slapped a two-year ban on him for figuring in a melee with the San Sebastian volleyball coach late last year.

Key Additions:

Debuting for San Beda is a gentle giant from Nigeria named Olaide Adeogun.  This 6’8” center is built like a rock and a monster off the boards.  He is also a more agile and skilled version of former Red Lion Samuel Ekwe, who also hails from the same African country.  Ola was referred to San Beda by Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Bill Bayno.  In the recent Fil Oil Cup, Adeogun proved his readiness for the NCAA by collecting 10.6 points on a 56% shooting clip, 9.6 boards and 1.3 blocks.   Beefing up San Beda’s frontline is former Blue Eagle and Red Cub Arthur Dela Cruz, while another ex-Cub Yvan Ludovice returns to Mendiola after playing for the National University in the UAAP two years back.  2010 campaigners Dave Moralde and JP Mendoza are likewise reactivated and should provide some outside scoring.  The Red Lions also got the biggest haul in the NCAA of blue chips from the high school ranks.  Last year’s NCAA Juniors finals MVP Francis Abarcar from the Red Cubs opted to stay with his alma mater along with teammate Jun Bonsubre, a lanky 6’5” slotman.  But also turning red is one of Abarcar’s fiercest foes, from runner-up La Salle Greenhills – Ritchie Villaruz.  He led LSGH with 22 points in Game 1 of the finals against the Red Cubs.  

Holdovers:

Although they lost some of their top players, the Red Lions still have a potent crew led by last season’s rookie-sensation Baser Amer and defense-specialist Jake Pascual.  Also returning are old reliables Rome Dela Rosa, Anjo Caram, Kyle Pascual, Ryusei Koga and Melo Lim.  With these holdovers, plus the fantastic new cast, SBC still possesses the deepest bench in the field.

Season Outlook, Strengths and Weaknesses:

The Red Lions remain to be a contender for the crown this season despite a change in the coaching staff and the departure of key players.  But new mentor Ronnie Magsanoc will have his hands full in the probable date with the Stags in this year’s finale.  The other teams, save perhaps for the Knights, should be easy prey.  With an almost intact line-up, San Sebastian has a strong chance of preventing the Lions a third straight title.  Last year, the Stags dealt San Beda one of only two losses but were blanked by the Lions in the best-of three finals.

San Beda’s strongest point is its bench.  Even its third unit can win convincingly against lower NCAA teams.  This will enable Magsanoc to comfortably rotate his men to keep fresh legs on the floor, a must for a running and full-court pressing team like the Lions.  

During the pre season tournament also, the team noticeably solidified its defense.  SBC ranked first in defense in the Fil-Oil Cup, limiting opponents to merely 57 points.  Eventual Fil-Oil champion NU and runner-up La Salle followed with only 61.1 and 63.8 allowed to opponents respectively.  This can be credited to the new coaching staff, which focused on defense the moment they took over the team.

Ironically, a major weakness of this year’s batch of Lions is outside shooting.  With Lanete and Anthony Semerad no longer around, there is no legitimate shooter for the Lions.  Occasionally, Melo Lim catches fire from beyond the arc but he blows hot and cold.  San Beda would have had a terrific sniper in Julius Armon, a highly touted Fil-American who was expected to succeed Lanete for the go-to-guy’s role.  But the Lions went to their annual U.S. training during the summer with him, but came back without him.  Armon told management he wanted to try his luck in the NBA D-League instead.

Prognosis:

Unlike in previous years, offense won’t be the Lions’ biggest weapon this season.  But they can still be a fluid offensive unit if the Lions can revive their former up-tempo style under Lim.  In the last five seasons, the Lions were unstoppable in the open court with blinding speed.  In the Fil-Oil, their transition offense appears to be controlled.  Without consistent gunners, the Lions must step on the gas to get their offense going, just like before.  

Moreover, everybody needs to step-up offensively for the team, now that it lacks pure scorers.  Amer may easily be the most talented in the team offensively.  This means that he will have to play the shooting guard position more than the point.  Dela Rosa must also take charge this time.  He has been inconsistent with his scoring and oftentimes hesitant to take the big shots.  Finally, the big guys must be involved more in offense.  Jake Pascual must renew his offensive game that was evident during his rookie year.  Kyle Pascual must take more of the short jumpers that he is proficient with.  And Adeogun must get more touches in the post.

Defensively, San Beda will be difficult to crack.

Overall Record last season:  Champion, 20-2 

Head Coach: Ronald Magsanoc

Assistants:  Benjie Paras, Patrick Fran, Xavier Nunag, JB Sison, Mark Jomalesa, Britt Reroma, Boyet Fernandez (consultant), Bonie Carbonell (consultant)

Team Manager:  Mukesh Advani

Players:

Abarcar, Francis

Abatayo, Van

Adeogun, Olaide

Amer, Baser

Bonsubre, Jun

Caram, Anjo

Dela Cruz, Art

Dela Rosa, Rome

Koga, Ryusei

Lim, Carmelo

Ludovice, Yvan

Mendoza, JP

Moralde, Dave

Pascual, Jake

Pascual, Kyle

Villaruz, Ritchie

source: Yahoo Sports

San Beda has been the gold standard in the NCAA for the past few years, winning five of the last six basketball titles. But there might not be any team in the league that will have to make as many adjustments as the Red Lions. They will be missing leading scorer and Mythical Five member Garvo Lanete, who averaged 18.6 points for them last year, as well as center Dave Marcelo and the Semerad twins while also having to adjust to a new coach in Ronnie Maganoc, who replaced longtime coach Frankie Lim. On top of that, they might end up spotting their rivals one game in the standings because of suspensions from the controversial melee that led to Lim’s resignation. They will open the season with a game against Arellano University where they will have only six players, most of them rookies, available to play.

But that said, San Beda is still San Beda. They still have an incredibly deep roster that includes Baser Amer, Rome Dela Rosa, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual and Jaypee Mendoza. Plus, they get a boost in the entry of Nigerian center Ola Adeogun, who will serve out a four-game suspension, but will be eligible to play this year. Adeogun has shown an impressive skill set on offense in preseason tournaments and will be a huge presence this year.

The Red Lions will have their bumps early in the tournament, but once they have their full lineup available, San Beda will likely be right in the thick of things when it comes to determining who wins the NCAA championship.

source: InterAktv

League president and Letran rector-president Fr. Tamerlane Lana, OP, said the Policy Board decided to reduce the 6-8 Adeogun’s penalty to just four games from the original six it has originally planned after San Beda made a strong appeal for a suspension of not more than three games.

“After a deliberation, the NCAA Policy Board has decided to reduce the one-year suspension to just four games,” said Lana in yesterday’s press conference at the Gateway Suites.

But the league directed Adeogun, who was among those involved in last year’s brawl with the San Sebastian volley squad, to first withdraw his letter to the Commission on Human Rights against the NCAA.

Adeogun is actually facing another league violation, which is misrepresenting the league due to that CHR letter which is equivalent to the punishment of expulsion.

Adeogun, however, promised to withdraw his CHR letter.

The league also reduced the two-game suspensions of Baser Amer, Anjo Caram, Rome dela Rosa, Ryussei Koga, Carmelo Lim, Jaypee Mendoza, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual and Michole Sorela to just one.

Without Adeogun and the rest, the San Beda Lions will have to do with six players – transferee Art dela Cruz, sophomore Christian Dave Moralde and rookies Francis Abarcar, Antonio Bonsubre, John Mark Ludovice and Ritchie Villaruz – when they take on the Arellano U Chiefs on Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The league opens shop on Saturday at the Big Dome with a twinbill featuring Letran versus San Sebastian and Jose Rizal against Mapua.

The Cardinals, for their part, could be playing undermanned for the whole of the year after four of their incoming players – Gab Banal, Joseph Eriobu, Mark Brana and Jessie Saitanan – face eligibility questions on their residency years.

The development came as a big blow to Mapua’s bid after the Intramuros-based school decided to drop 6-6 Fil-Palestinian Yousef Taha from its roster for personal issues.

source: Joey Villar, Philstar

San Beda rookie coach Ronnie Magsanoc has put on a brave face despite having to make do with six players in his NCAA debut on Sunday against the Arellano University Chiefs.

Never in his long involvement in top-level basketball, especially as a coach, has Ronnie Magsanoc ever seen a team go into a game handicapped with only six personnel available to play.

He will not only witness one come Sunday, but he will be right in the middle of it. The former PBA star will make his debut as San Beda coach in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament with a badly depleted Red Lions lineup against the Arellano University Chiefs.

A day after the opening ceremonies, the Red Lions will suit up only six players with the rest of the team serving out suspensions meted by the league's policy board for their involvement in a brawl during a women’s volleyball game at the San Beda gym six months ago.

“Naglaro (na anim), oo kasi naubos na `yung mga players, [may nakita na ako],” said the rookie coach, who took over the San Beda job after Frankie Lim resigned in the aftermath of the San Sebastian scuffle. "Pero `yung magsimula ang game (with only six players), wala pa.

“(But) there’s always a first time.”

Taking the floor for the reigning champions on their opening game are Antonio Bonsubre, Ritchie Villaruz, John Mark Ludovice, Christian Moralde, Francis Abarcar, and Arthur Dela Cruz.

Players meted with a one-game suspension each for their role in the ugly brawl between San Beda and San Sebastian personnel were Kyle Pascual,  Jake Pascual, Jaypee Mendoza, Ryusei Koga, Rome De La Rosa, Melo Lim, Baser Amer, and Antonio Caram.

It's not all bad news for Magsanoc, though.

Olaide Adeogun, the Nigerian rookie who was at the center of the controversy, was spared a season ban by the league's policy board, which reduced his suspension to just four games.

This is not exactly the most ideal way to make a head-coaching debut in the big leagues, but Magsanoc has nonetheless vowed to make the most of what he has.

“We just have to do it five-on-five. Mabigat lang talaga sa rotation and substitution pattern dahil wala talaga (kaming players),” said Magsanoc.

In practice, Magsanoc utilizes 10 players, and plans to do the same when they go about their final plays and drills a day before facing Arellano.

“Nakakapagod,” he said of their situation.

Even with a depleted lineup, Magsanoc said he has no plans of trying to slow the game down. “Kasi wala namang slow down sa college basketball . Takbo ng takbo ang mga yan.”

Early foul trouble and fatigue are just some of his major concerns, but Magsanoc is unfazed.

“I think all we have to do is just to have a smart approach (to the game),” he said.

source: Spin.ph/Bedan Red Pages

San Beda Red Lions Nigerian center Ola Adeogun drew a four-game suspension from the NCAA Policy Board, the collegiate league announced Wednesday.

Adeogun was the catalyst of a brawl that erupted at the San Beda campus last December, which began when San Sebastian College men's volleyball players allegedly shouted racists slurs at him.

While the volleyball players denied the charge, the situation escalated to the point where former San Beda men's basketball coach Frankie Lim, as well as former Red Lion Dave Marcelo, engaged San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, with a San Sebastian female volleyball player getting hurt in the process.

At the time of the brawl, Adeogun was still undergoing part of his two-year residency period. Due to his status then as a spectator and not an official player, the NCAA handed him a one-year ban from any NCAA sporting event venue, with the understanding that it would be lifted and replaced with a different punishment when formally lined-up for the upcoming NCAA season.

Said punishment turned out to be a four-game suspension, down from the six games initially proposed. San Beda had been lobbying for just a three-game ban but were denied.

The Policy Board also reduced the suspensions of several other Red Lions from two games to one, namely Kyle Pascual, Jake Pascual, Jaypee Mendoza, Ryusei Koga, Rome dela Rosa, Melo Lim, Baser Amer and Anjo Caram.

The sanctions still mean that the Red Lions will begin the season with just six players available from their 16-man roster: Richie Villaruz, Dave Moralde, Ivan Ludovice, Francis Abacar, Jun Bonsubre and the returning Arthur Dela Cruz.

San Beda begins their title defense on June 24 versus the Arellano University Chiefs, coached by former San Beda mentor Koy Banal.

source: AMD, GMA News

AVP for the 2012 Red Rally (SBC Pep Rally). Join our Bedan athletes as we start the campaign for supremacy this NCAA Season 88.

   

Seniors Division

ABARCAR, Francis Johnson E.

ADEOGUN, Olaide 

AMER, Baser C.

BONSUBRE,Jr., Antonio R.

CARAM, Antonio Jose H.

DE LA CRUZ, Arthur A.

DE LA ROSA, Rome Adler D.

KOGA, Russei G.

LIM, Jose Carmelo J.

LUDOVICE, John Mark Yvan B.

MENDOZA, Jaypee B.

MORALDE, Christian Dave P.

PASCUAL, Elvin Jake J.

PASCUAL, Kyle N.

VILLARUZ, Ritchie Jon B.

Juniors Division

ABATAYO, Niko Angelo P.

ABUDA, Franz Jonathan R.

ABUDE, Lancelot Mikhail P.

BROJAN, Paolo S.

CARACUT, Joshua Andrei A.

DE VILLERES, Benjamin E.

DIPUTADO, Adven Jess L.

FURAQUE, Evan Jacob D.

GUMTANG, John Ryan S.

IŇIGO, Alejandrino, Anthonio S.

MACAPAYAG, Louis Paolo R.

MOCON, Javee D.

ROMERO, CarlitoJose A

TOLENTINO, Arvin Dave D.

TONGCO, Ranbill Angelo V.

source: NCAA Philippines

Defending champion San Beda is entering the 88th Edition of the NCAA a very different team.  Many of the key figures in SBC’s conquest of four of the last five NCAA titles are no longer around.  Although still among the top contenders for this year, the Red Lions will certainly not have it easy this season.  For the first time since 2006, the 16-time champions won’t be coming in as heavy favorites to win this year’s title.  That distinction now belongs to San Sebastian.

Key Losses:

The Red Lions lost the core of their squad that claimed back-to-back crowns in 2010 and 2011, namely top gunner Garvo Lanete, the bull-strong Dave Marcelo, dynamic twins Anthony and David Semerad, and former MVP Sudan Daniel.  Add to that list Lanete’s main back-up Mar Villahermosa. Looking at these names, it’s hard to imagine the Red Lions being as competitive as last year without such players.  Lanete alone produced 17.3 points per game for SBC.  Add another 23.5 points coming from Marcelo, Villahermosa and the Semerads, the Red Lions will be missing 40.8 points per game, which is almost half of their league-leading average output of 82.5 points.

Michole Sorela will skip this season due to insufficient grades, while Paolo Pontejos transferred to another school.  But an even bigger loss for the team was the resignation of head coach Frankie Lim, who was the architect of the four titles (2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011).  He was named Coach of the Year in all championship seasons.  Lim resigned after the league slapped him with a two-year ban for his involvement in a brawl with San Sebastian volleyball coach Roger Gorayeb.

Without Lim, the team must now adopt a new system under its new mentor, Ronnie Magsanoc.  Whether the new system will work just as well as the old remains to be seen even when the Red Lions made a good account of themselves in the pre-season Fil Oil Cup tournament under Magsanoc.

Key Additions:

The biggest addition to the team is undoubtedly the 6’8” powerhouse Olaide Adeogun of Nigeria.  Ola is a quicker and slightly better skilled version of Samuel Ekwe.  Ekwe, of course, is the stronger and more intimidating one, and was responsible for San Beda’s three-peat in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  But Adeogun seems to be the more charismatic one who blends well with the rest of the Red Lions.  He was highly recommended to former coach Lim by renowned American college tactician Bill Bayno.  Adeogun should be the main source of inside strength for the Red Lions now.

He is a rebounding monster with respectable post moves and perimeter shot.  In the pre-season tournament Fil-Oil Cup, Adeogun posted norms of 10.6 points on a 56% shooting clip, 9.6 boards and 1.3 blocks.  Another important addition is former Red Cub Arthur De la Cruz, who transferred from Ateneo.  He will surely bolster the power forward position, as he is one who can penetrate and bury the short and medium range jumpers.

Also joining the Red Lions are marquee players from the junior division led by Jun Bonsubre (5.3 points, 6.3 rebounds) and finals MVP Francis Abarcar (13.2 points) from the 2011 NCAA high school champs Red Cubs, and Ritchie Villaruz (11.6 points) from runner-up La Salle Greenhills.  Returning to the roster are former Cub Dave Moralde, and JP Mendoza, who both can contribute in outside sniping.  The point guard rotation becomes much deeper as well with the addition of ex-NU playmaker Yvan Ludovice.

Holdovers:

Last year’s sensational rookie Baser Amer (7 points, 4.5 assists) will now need to take charge more.  With the departure of Lanete and Anthony Semerad, he now becomes the most proficient scorer in the team, even when he is a natural point guard.  Veteran forward Rome Dela Rosa (9.7 points) has to step up as well.

Skipper Jake Pascual (7.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks) now takes the leader’s role in this team and should be the main man in defense.  Kyle Pascual is expected to up his numbers last year of 7.1 markers and 6.4 caroms per outing.  Anjo Caram (6.1 points, 3.1 assists) should still be the starting point guard for SBC after an impressive season in 2011.  Melo Lim and Ryusei Koga bring their run-and-gun expertise into San Beda’s offensive thrust.

Season Outlook, Strengths and Weaknesses:

Without a doubt, SBC remains a contender for the title this season.  But unlike in recent years, the Stags now enter the tournament as the favorites with an almost intact line-up.  With the exodus of key players and coach Lim, the Red Lions face a tough challenge they have never encountered before.  How quickly they can adapt to Magsanoc’s system will be a crucial factor.  But the Red Lions remain the deepest team in the tournament and this alone could propel them to the finals.  Reclaiming the crown is another matter however.  The Stags should now have the upper hand in experience and firepower.  It’s very unlikely that SBC will maintain its scoring leadership that it has enjoyed in the last five years.  The Red Lions now lack legitimate scorers and shooters.  They would have had a high scoring freshman by the name of Julius Armon, who top-scored for the team in the Fil Oil Cup with 12.4 markers per game.  The 6’3” Fil-Am was being groomed as Lanete’s successor as the team’s go-to-guy.  But during the Red Lions’ annual summer training in the US, Armon decided to stay in his home country, reportedly to try out in the NBA D-League.  But one thing that has noticeably improved is their defense, which could now be their main weapon.  The team ranked first in defense in the Fil Oil Cup, limiting opponents to just 57 points per game.

Prognosis:

Now more than ever, the Red Lions must work as a team to keep the NCAA plum in Mendiola.  With a remarkably deep bench, they can apply a relentless pressure defense the whole game without wonting in stamina and energy.  Adeogun will be a huge plus in defending the basket.  Offensively, the absence of an apparent go-to-guy can be turned into an advantage if they employ a more balanced offense.  After all, the roster is still teeming with talent.  But the likes of Dela Rosa, Amer, Lim, Koga and Moralde will have to polish their outside artillery to make up for the departure of Lanete and Co.

source: Inboundpass

via: interAKTV

In a week’s time, the historic National Collegiate Athletic Association will open its doors for its 88th season.

Dubbed as “Celebramos 88! Conquistar po tu honor nuevas glorias! (Celebrating 88! Conquering new glories)” by season hosts Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the year-round tournament in multiple athletic disciplines will kick off with the opening ceremonies and men’s basketball tilt at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

In this new season, the league also forged a partnership with a new TV coveror — AKTV on IBC 13 — to telecast its games in major sports including basketball, volleyball, and the highly-anticipated cheerleading competition.

One major step made by the league and its TV coveror for this season has been to move the start time of the games from mid-afternoon to primetime, starting at 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Following a grand opening ceremonies, hosts Letran tackles San Sebastian College at 4 p.m. and followed soon after by the Jose Rizal University vs Mapua Institute of Technology match at 6 p.m. (note: no scheduled game for SBC on June 23)

Defending seniors overall and basketball champions maintain to be odds-on favorites to retain their title under newly-installed head coach Ronnie Magsanoc, despite losing key players such as Garvo Lanete, Sudan Daniel, and the unexpected pre-season departure by Fil-am recruit Julius Armon from their lineup.

Following an off-season of brouhahas that included a highly-controversial move to Ateneo de Manila University, twins Anthony and David Semerad will make their return to the Lion’s Den. The sweet-shooting Anthony was key in the Red Lions’ sweep of San Sebastian College in the championship.

Other contenders include SBC’s perennial finals foes San Sebastian, who will field in mercurial forward Calvin Abueva and steady low-post man Ian Sangalang in their lineup. Ronald Pascual, who suffered an ACL injury in their ill-fated campaign in the Champions League last season, is expected to make his return to the lineup despite skipping the pre-season wars.

From a copy of the official schedule obtained by Fullcourtfresh.com recently from an inside source of the NCAA, there are no games scheduled at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City at least for the first round, despite the league signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the venue operators last year.

Other key dates in the said version of the schedule include Emilio Aguinaldo College vs Arellano on June 25, Mapua vs Letran (Battle of Intramuros) on July 16, San Beda vs Letran on July 21, San Beda vs Mapua on August 2, and San Beda vs San Sebastian on August 9 to close out the first round of eliminations.

Also noted there is an out-of-town twinbill pitting Letran against EAC, followed by Arellano vs College of Saint Benilde on July 25, with the venue to be determined on a later date.

source:  Diego de la Paz, Fullcourtfresh 

image from: Filoil Flying V Sports