Dolphins open bid as 81st NC unfolds

With a new but talented coach and an old but reliable roster, Philippine Christian University hopes to open defense of its crown against a tough San Beda side on a high note when the 81st season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is fired off today at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I’m really excited to coach this team which has the potential to repeat as champion," said PCU coach Junel Baculi, the veteran PBL mentor who took over the coaching chores from Ato Tolentino. "But I told my players that it’s going to be tough so we have to work together, play hard and stay focused in every game."

Sure, the Red Lions are also expected to do the same, making the 2 p.m. encounter truly a game to watch.

Actually, three other matches promise to be as interesting as the PCU-SBC duel with host Letran colliding with Perpetual Help at 4 p.m., San Sebastian clashing with Mapua at 6 p.m., and Jose Rizal testing the mettle of St. Benilde at 7:30 p.m.

In a fitting opener to the country’s oldest collegiate league, a lavish program patterned after Olympics rites is on tap at 1 p.m. Directed by Monti Parungao, whose professional credits include the 1997 Jakarta Southeast Asian Games, the opening ceremonies will feature an all-student cast and adhere to the season’s theme One at 81: Values Formation Through Sports.

The grand parade participated in by school officials, athletes and muses will establish the Olympics atmosphere while Freddie Webb, himself a member of the RP basketball team in the 1972 Munich Olympics and a Letran alumnus, will be the keynote speaker.

What makes PCU a title favorite again this year is its intact line-up, keeping the core of last year’s champion team led by hardworking center Gabby Espinas, who became the first ever rookie MVP in the NCAA, while adding just two rookies.

The Dolphins will also have swingman Rob Sanz, the Finals MVP last season, high-flying forward Ian Vincent Garrido, the Most Improved Player winner, shooter Jason Castro and playmaker Ramon Retaga Jr.

But expect the Red Lions, who had a rigorous off-season training that included a stint in the PBL, to come out strong. Despite the departure of Jeff Bombeo, San Beda remains a tough contender led by Yousif Aljamal and Jerome Paterno.

The spotlight will also be on St. Benilde coach Caloy Garcia, who hopes to use his experience after leading Welcoat Paints to the Unity Cup title in his bid to guide the Blazers back to the Final Four after two years of frustrations.

"Almost all the teams are equally talented. It’s just a matter of who wants to win. College basketball is more of a running game," said Garcia, a former Blazer whose team will face JRU composed of five holdovers and 10 rookies.