San Beda upbeat in NCAA 92 bid despite losing vital cogs

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda has high hopes in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament unfolding on June 25 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City despite losing practically all its starters from last year.

Nigerian behemoth Ola Adeogun and Ryusei Koga have graduated this year while Baser Amer and Arthur dela Cruz have moved on playing in the PBA, leaving team captain Dan Sara as the only remnant from last season's starting group.

"It's not a joke losing our key players from last year," said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin. "But we have faith in our young players that they can step this year and fill those massive voids."

Although Jarin has yet to name his starters, it looks like Sara, Jayvee Mocon, AC Soberano, Donald Tankoua, and Robert Bolick, a transferee from La Salle, will more likely get the starting job.

Arnaud Noah, a 6-1 guard and 2014 NCAA All-Star slam dunk champion who will back Tankoua, and Fil-Am shooter Davon Potts are expected to come off the bench along with Ranbill Tongco, Jeramer Cabanag and Jose Mari Presbitero.

Jarin was also quick to downplay San Beda's early quarterfinal exit in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup after losing to Arellano U, which went on to finish a strong second to eventual winner La Salle, saying the team is still in the learning process.

"Arellano is a veteran team while our team is younger. But the season is long and we'll try to learn on the fly in every game we play in the NCAA," said Jarin.

Just like last year, San Beda is expected to run its opponents to the ground with its fast-paced, run-and-gun game.

"I'd like to call my team a track and field team because we love to run and quicken the pace as much as we can," said Jarin.

The Lions will try to reassert themselves and reclaim the title they lost to the Letran Knights in last year's finale that went to a full, three-game route.

San Beda also has a tradition after it made the finals the last 10 seasons and winning eight championships.

The road back to glory would be harder this season considering a lot of teams like Arellano U had improved tremendously.

"It will be a tough season for sure but we're alway confident and we're keeping the faith," said Jarin.