The defending champion San Beda University Red Lions come into Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament with a young roster.
Many of the key players like Jacob Cortez have transferred to the La Salle Green Archers, while others like Peter Alfaro, Damie Cuntapay and Clifford Jopia have graduated.
Two senior players have returned — Yukien Andrada, and Jomel Puno, who are expected to help James Payosing in providing leadership and direction to the team.
New guys from Team B, like JC Bonzalida, Penny Estacio, Bryan Sajonia, RC Calimag and Richie Calimag are also expected to step up.
After winning the championship with the help of young players last season, coach Yuri Escueta said they are in the same situation again.
“We have a whole year with the guys in preparing. Pero, iba pa rin iyung may experience in playing sa NCAA, compared to being in pre-season tournaments,” said Escueta.
The SBU coach talked about the Red Lions during Tuesday’s Season 100 launch at the Mall of Asia Asia Arena days before the start of the men’s cagefest on Sept. 7.
In their opening game, the Red Lions will confront host Lyceum at 2 p.m., with Mapua going up against the College of St. Benilde Blazers at 5 p.m.
Escueta hopes that they will be back in the Final Four, after the new players learned to blend well with the remaining veterans.
A training camp in Los Angeles recently allowed Escueta and the coaching staff to strengthen the skills of the players, while practicing with LA Lakers’ forward Stanley Johnson.
Transferees like Estacio and Sajonia who are coming out of residency after leaving De La Salle University and Far Eastern University are expected to boost the team’s game.
Completing Escueta’s lineup are Joe Celzo, Ismael Culdora, Zed Etulle, Nygel Gonzales, Rafael Jalbuena, Bismarck Lina, Adrian Sollano, Menard Songcuya, and Iñigo Torres.
During the opening rites at 12 noon, the league celebrates its historic centennial season with a brand new logo and theme, “Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies”.
There will be a series of activities to honor the league’s “10 Greatest Players,” during the two-hour opening ceremony.
NCAA Season 100 Policy Board President Atty. Roberto P. Laurel of host Lyceum Philippines University said the games promise to be very competitive.
On Sunday, the Letran Knights will start their bid against the San Sebastian Stags at 12 noon, followed by a match-up between the Arellano Chiefs and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2:30 p.m.
Coach Olsen Racela will make his debut with the University of Perpetual Help Altas against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
