The excitement of collegiate basketball is about to reignite as NCAA's 100th season approaches. With all 10 teams gearing up to showcase their school spirit and chase after the historial championship title, the Benildean Press Corps offers a detailed preview of each team's prospects as the games kick off on Sept. 7.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers
Previous Standings: 3rd
After making their first finals appearance since 2002 in Season 98, the Benilde Blazers were heavy favorites to win the championship in the following season. Unfortunately, they fell short of expectations and ended the season with the inaugural bronze medal.
Major Losses: Will Gozum, Miggy Corteza, Prince Carlos, Robi Nayve, Miguel Oczon
Season 99 marked an end of an era for the Benilde Blazers as their core players Will Gozum, Miggy Corteza, Prince Carlos, Robi Nayve, Miguel Oczon transitioned to professional careers. However, there is no doubt that the Benilde basketball program has reached greater heights during their tenure as players, etching their names in the hearts of the Benildean community. They certainly set the bar high as they pass the torch to the next generation.
Key Additions: Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, Anton Eusebio, Matthew Oli, Gab Cometa, Ian Torres, Jhomel Ancheta, Roger Ondoa
Is the grass greener on the other side? Well, fresh faces from different places made a move to Taft avenue, filling the roster with new talent. Former EAC big man Allen Liwag is expected to lead the way for the men in green and white. Their team is also bolstered by former UP Fighting Maroon Anton Eusebio, former San Beda Red Lions Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa, Californian recruit Matthew Oli, Immaculada Concepcion College Bluehawks Ian Torres and Roger Ondoa, and former Centro Escolar University Scorpion Jhomel Ancheta.
Prediction: Champions
Although the Benilde Blazers may technically be a new team, the Taft squad is stacked with seasoned players under the reliable leadership of team captain Mark Sangco. The solid chemistry and offense they displayed during their outstanding off-season campaigns only prove that they are the team to beat during the upcoming season. However, they will surely need composure and consistency as they bear the legacy of their predecessors and look to end their 22-year championship drought.
San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions
Previous Standings: Champions
After consecutive years of missing out a seat in the finals and facing doubts about their capability to win a title without a foreign student athlete, the Red Lions returned to their winning ways, securing their 22nd NCAA Championship in Season 99. The road back to the promise land took some time, but the Red Lions ultimately found their way back to the top.
Major Losses: Jacob Cortez, Peter Alfaro, Damie Cuntapay
In their quest to defend their throne and achieve back-to-back championships, not to doubt the Red Lions, but that journey might be twice as hard this time around. The Mendiola squad are going into Season 100 without their top scorer and main man in Jacob Cortez, who averaged 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in Season 99 and was a crucial piece for the Red Lions’ championship run. After a stellar showing, during the off season, Cortez decided to take his talents to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers. Additionally, San Beda also lost the services of their ever reliable veterans in Peter Alfaro and Damie Cuntapay, who both played significant roles for the team.
Key Additions: Calimag Brothers, Penny Estacio, Bryan Sajonia, Bismarck Lina
There is a saying that “when one door closes, another one opens.” Thankfully, that’s the case for the Red Lions. In light of Cortez's departure, San Beda has ensured they are prepared for the future by bringing their prized recruits from the summer of 2022 on board. Many of these players come from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), including former DLSU guard Penny Estacio, former UP Fighting Maroons Bismarck Lina and RC Calimag, who will reunite with his brother Richi Calimag, a San Beda-Taytay product. The Red Lions will also benefit from the talents of former Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, Joe Celzo and Bryan Sajonia.
Prediction: 1st Runner Up
There’s no doubt that the Red Lions remain a formidable team with a wealth of talent. Their new recruits add even more depth to an already strong roster. Heading into Season 100, they are bolstered by key holdovers such as Jhomel Puno, Nygel Gonzales, Yukien Andrada, and NCAA Season 99 Finals MVP James Payosing. Additionally, the team is guided by head coach Yuri Escueta and consultant Norman Black. Despite losing several key players over the summer, the Red Lions are still a team to watch in the 100th season of the NCAA.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals
Previous Standing: 7th
The EAC Generals climbed up three spots in the NCAA ladder from finishing last in Season 98 to securing an even 9-9 win-loss record to cap off Season 99 in 7th place. Under the new system of head coach Jerson Cabiltes, the Paco squad achieved its best finish in 10 years, marking remarkable and promising progress over just one season.
Major Losses: Nat Cosejo, JP Maguliano, Ralph Robin
The Generals will unfortunately have to march into the 100th season without the presence of their stars in former team captain Nat Cosejo and veterans JP Maguliano and Ralph Robin, who have embarked on their professional careers. They leave big shoes to fill and a large void for the teammates they have left behind.
Key Additions: Harvey Pagsanjan, Axel Doromal, Wilmar Oftana, Deo Lucero, Jude Bagay
Out with the old and in with the new. Despite the departure of key players, the EAC Generals are reinforced by the experience of former U.E. Red Warrior Harvey Pagsanjan and Arellano Chiefs’ top scorer in Season 98 Axel Doromal, who will definitely form a stacked backcourt with team captain King Gurtiza. The Generals will also head into battle with the presence of former Arellano Chiefs Wilmar Oftana, Deo Lucero, and Jude Bagay.
Prediction: 3rd
The men in red and white are definitely entering Season 100 stronger and wiser under the leadership of coach Cabiltes and an experienced line up that is bolstered with what seems to be the missing pieces of the puzzle for the team. Moreover, key holdovers Kyle Ochavo and Nico Quinal are all set to help anchor the team as well. As the only school that has never reached the final four, the EAC Generals are hoping to change the narrative and achieve this milestone in the centennial season.
Mapua University (MU) Cardinals
Previous Standings: 1st Runner Up
The Mapua Cardinals soared to the top of the standings at the end of the elimination round, with Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis carrying the team to a finals appearance. Unfortunately, the one-man show was proven to not be enough after the Red Lions claimed the throne after an intense final series.
Major Losses: Warren Bonifacio, Peter Rosillo, Paolo Hernandez
Season 99 marked the departure of three significant players from the Cardinals’ nest. Former team captain Warren Bonifacio and veteran shooting guard Paolo Hernandez bid goodbye to pursue their professional careers. Meanwhile, second year guard Peter Rosillo also made a move to the Letran Knights during the offseason. Their absence leaves voids on and off the court that need to be filled by current players.
Key Addition: Chris Hubilla
Former San Beda Red Cub Chris Hubilla is set to make his collegiate debut under the Mapua Cardinals. During his impressive NCAA Season 98 campaign, he averaged 18.11 points, 11 rebounds, 2.44 assists, and 1.22 steals. He will surely provide a boost for the men donning red and white come Season 100.
Prediction: 4th
Although Hubilla and reliable holdovers Joaqui Garcia, Yam Concepcion, John Jabonete, and Lawrence Mangubat will provide much needed reinforcement for the team, the rest of the Muralla squad needs to step up to ease the burden on Escamis’ shoulders if they want to replicate their success in the previous season. The real question is: Who will rise to the occasion?
Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Knights
Previous Standings: 9th
After a historic championship back in Season 98, the Letran Knights saw themselves in uncharted territory for the whole of Season 99. The Muralla squad uncharacteristically started off the season losing their first seven games, which ultimately led to them finishing the season with a record of 2-10, placing 9th in the standings after the elimination round. It was their first time missing out on a final four berth since 2017.
Major Loss: Kurt Reyson, Stephen Garupil
After seven years with the Knights, Kurt Reyson has officially bid farewell to Letran. As the team captain in Season 99, Reyson's college career was unfortunately cut short by a mid-season ankle injury, forcing him to watch from the sidelines. In his absence, Stephen Garupil rose to the occasion, earning the Freshman of the Year award and securing his spot as the Knights' lead guard heading into Season 100. However, on July 9, it was reported that Garupil had decided to leave the Knights to join the JRU Heavy Bombers, leaving Letran down another key guard as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Additions: Coach Allen Ricardo, Jimboy Estrada
After a season under the guidance of the highly decorated Rensy Bajar, the Knights have formally parted ways with him, leaving a significant void in their leadership. The search for a new head coach was narrowed down to former Letran Knights, and the position was ultimately awarded to Allen Ricardo, head coach of the Letran Squires, who led the junior team to back-to-back championships. Ricardo brings his championship experience to the senior ranks, hoping to replicate his success. The Knights also made a key addition by securing Jimboy Estrada, the 2023 NAASCU Rookie of the Year and MVP, widely regarded as “the best player not playing in the UAAP and NCAA.” With these changes, the Knights are poised to bolster their quest for another championship.
Prediction: 5th
With the eligibility of Coach Ricardo's top prospects from the juniors program, including Jonathan Manalili—who has officially been ruled out—and George Diamante still uncertain, the Knights find themselves potentially a player or two short of being true Final Four contenders. The contributions of Manalili and Diamante would be invaluable to the team, but for now, their impact remains on hold.
Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates
Previous Standing: 4th Place
By the end of the eliminations round last season, the Pirates found themselves second in the overall standings. However, they figured in the same situation back in Season 98, where they would struggle in the playoffs, this time against the Cardinals and the Blazers, ultimately finishing the tournament in fourth place.
Major Loss: Shawn Umali, Oman Omandac, Enoch Valdez
After Season 99, the Pirates anticipated only the departure of senior forward Enoch Valdez, who was set to graduate. However, this expectation was upended when Shawn Umali, the team’s bruising big man, also decided to leave LPU. Umali had been the cornerstone of the Pirates' front court, averaging 10.15 points, 6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal per game. His season, however, was marred by disciplinary issues, leading to a suspension for several games. Fortunately, LPU had a dependable backup in Oman Omandac, who provided a significant boost despite lacking Umali’s physical presence. Both Umali and Omandac were considered crucial to the Pirates’ ongoing championship aspirations, but during the offseason, they each chose to transfer—Umali to the Benilde Blazers and Omandac to the EAC Generals.
Key Additions: No Key Additions
After the sudden departures of Umali and Omandac, the Pirates are in deep waters, considering they were not expecting any movements outside of Valdez. The shoes that those three left are definitely too big to be immediately filled.
Prediction: 6th
Despite the lack of key additions, the Pirates remain largely intact, which could work to their advantage over their opponents. The team will be led by core players like Mclaude Guadaña, Renz Villegas, Vince Cunanan, and John Barba. Their established chemistry will be vital to the Pirates' success as they head into Season 100. Additionally, the leadership of coach Gilbert Malabanan, known for his ability to find opportunities in adversity, will be instrumental in guiding the team.
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Altas
Previous Standing: 5th
NCAA Season 99 was an up and down season for the Altas to say the least. The team faced a challenging year, with injuries disrupting their rhythm and momentum throughout the season. Despite a valiant late push for a Final Four spot, their efforts fell short, leaving them in fifth place by the end of the season.
Major Losses: Mark Omega, Jun Roque, Cyrus Nitura, Carlo Ferreras, Jielo Razon
Much like LPU, the Altas anticipated only losing their senior guard Jielo Razon to graduation. However, the situation turned out differently, as several key players from Season 99, including Carlo Ferreras, Mark Omega, Jun Roque, and Cyrus Nitura, chose to leave the team in search of better opportunities at other colleges and universities. These players, who were expected to be central to the team’s success in Season 100, decided to part ways with Perpetual.
Key Additions: Coach Olsen Racela, Mark Gojo Cruz, Ruvic Danag
Continuity is the primary concern for the Altas at this point. Not only did they lose a significant portion of their core players, but they also saw their longtime head coach, Mike Sagigit, step down from his position. Fortunately, his role was quickly filled by former FEU Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela, who wasted no time in outlining his vision for the team moving forward. With limited time to recruit heavily, Racela turned to the NCAA juniors division, securing commitments from standout high school players Mark Gojo Cruz of the Junior Altas and Ruvic Danag of the San Sebastian Staglets. Both players were impressive in the juniors tournament, with Gojo Cruz earning Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1 steal per game. Danag contributed solid numbers as well, averaging 15.11 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.22 steals per game. With these two rising stars and Racela's leadership, the Altas will be a team to watch heading into Season 100.
Prediction: 7th
The Altas are likely one of the youngest teams heading into Season 100. The departure of their core players from Season 99 has left a significant gap, forcing coach Racela to rely heavily on his younger roster. While this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Racela, who managed a similar situation at FEU, it remains to be seen whether he can translate his UAAP success to the NCAA. Only time will tell if the Altas can rise to the challenge under his leadership.
Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers
Previous Standing: 6th
The Heavy Bombers entered Season 99 with a determination to reclaim their school identity and pride after a controversial setback in Season 98. They started the season strongly, winning three of their first four games and securing a second-place spot in the standings. However, their momentum faltered as they began to suffer consecutive losses. By the end of the season, the Heavy Bombers dropped to sixth place, just below the Perpetual Altas, due to the NCAA’s point and quotient system.
Major Losses: Ry Dela Rosa, JL Delos Santos, Marwin Dionisio
Pretty much like every other team, the Heavy Bombers lost a couple of their players. The Mandaluyong squad will head into Season 100, without their heavily trusted seniors in Ry Dela Rosa and JL Delos Santos, as both took their final playing year last season. Dela Rosa and Delos Santos were crucial pieces for the Heavy Bombers and their success in the last two seasons, leading most of JRU’s offensive load. Another loss for the Heavy Bombers is Marwin Dionisio, who decided to forgo his final year to play professionally. Dionisio was one of the top scorers of the team last season, dropping a season high of 21 points against Arellano, and also a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds against the EAC Generals.
Key Additions: Paul Enal, Martin Pineda, John Lloyd Martinez, Shannon Shealey
Despite losing significant talent in the off-season, the Heavy Bombers quickly retooled by securing commitments from several standout high school players. Coach Louie Gonzales made his presence felt by bringing in JRU Light Bombers' Paul Enal and Martin Pineda, both of whom will bolster the team's frontcourt. The duo, recognized for their defensive prowess as members of the NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball All-Defensive Team, also brings scoring power, averaging 12.8 and 13.8 points per game, respectively. Adding more flame to the fire, the Heavy Bombers also secured Bacolod Trinity Christian School standouts, John Lloyd Martinez and Shannon Shealey, who led their team in points and rebounds respectively.
Prediction: 8th
Labeling JRU as a rebuilding team might be a stretch, especially with key players like Shawn Argente, Agem Miranda, and Joshua Guiab still in the lineup. However, with the departure of Dionisio, a stalwart in the Heavy Bombers' frontcourt known for his defensive and scoring abilities, the team will need to lean heavily on their newcomers, particularly in the paint, to remain competitive against the NCAA's top contenders.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags
Previous Standing: 8th
The Golden Stags concluded Season 99 with a 6-12 win-loss record, slipping four spots from their near final four finish in Season 98. Although they seemed like one of the best teams in the league on paper, the Recto-based squad ultimately lacked key components to truly contend in the previous season.
Major Losses: Romel Calahat, Alex Desoyo, Jesse Sumoda
The golden boys of the Stags are bidding farewell to San Sebastian. They will definitely feel the absence of their shining star Romel Calahat who averaged 13.67 points and 10.67 rebounds in Season 99. Unfortunately, the Golden Stags will also miss the presence of veterans Alex Desoyo and Jesse Sumoda who also graduated like Calahat, leaving the team with a significant liability to fill.
Key Additions: Coach Arvin Bonleon and Team Consultant Allan Caidic
Former Golden Stag, Arvin Bonleon, will be making his NCAA return after 32 years as the new head coach of the men in red and gold. Joining him is one of the 25 Greatest Players of the PBA, Allen Caidic, “The Triggerman,” who will be bringing his decades of basketball knowledge to San Sebastian as their team consultant.
Prediction: 9th
The Golden Stags are definitely in the rebuilding phase after the departure of their stars. However, Season 100 will be a year of growth and development for the young squad under the promising guidance and new system of Coach Bonleon and Team Consultant Caidic.
Arellano University (AU) Chiefs
Previous Standing: 10th
The Arellano Chiefs ended Season 99 as the cellar dwellers, only winning two games in the previous season. However, this was not surprising given the departure of their stars prior to last season and their ongoing adjustment under a new set of players and coaching staff.
Major Losses: Danielle Mallari, Lars Sunga, Joshua Abastillas, Jade Talampas
Just like the graduating seniors of the other teams, veteran players Danielle Mallari, Lars Sunga, Joshua Abastillas, Jade Talampas moved up to the professional ranks after playing out their final season. On the brighter side, their departure gives their young squad more opportunities to make a mark during Season 100.
Key Additions: Dre Miller, Renzo Abiera, CJ Libang, Prince Barraca, Klein Tagotongan
As Arellano continues to rebuild, they added budding athletes like former FEU Tamaraw Dre Miller, former NU Bulldogs Renzo Abiera and CJ Libang, former NU-Nazareth Bullpups Prince Barraca and Klein Tagotongan, to boost their roster and fill the gaps for the upcoming season.
Prediction: 10th
Although top players Basti Valencia and JL Capulong are set to return this season, the Chiefs are still navigating the rebuilding phase. Nevertheless, the blue and maroon squad will still be an exciting team to watch as they begin a new chapter and try to improve their standing from Season 99.
