NCAA Season 88 Preview (Part 4): San Beda Red Lions

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