NCAA Season 95 gets going

MANILA, Philippines — The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) kicks off Season 95 today with an exciting double-header and an opening ceremony that will provide a fiesta atmosphere at the MOA Arena.

Lyceum of the Philippines University launches its own bid against Letran at 2 p.m. while host Arellano University takes the first crack at San Beda, which is eyeing a fourth straight crown, at 4 p.m.

Everybody agrees that San Beda, seeking its ninth title in the last 10 seasons, remains the title favorite along with Lyceum.

The Lions will be without Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon, vital cogs in their three-peat run, but has kept most of its core players including James Canlas and Evan Nelle, who have taken over the mantle this year.

Spearheaded by Nelle and Canlas, San Beda swept the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup in 10 games last month that underscored the team’s readiness to contend.

“They will be the important pieces in our campaign. We will rely on them more with Bolick and Mocon gone,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez referring to the Canlas-Nelle tandem.

Although it kept Kent Salado, the Chiefs will be in a rebuilding mode after some of their players, including Ian Alban and Levi dela Cruz, left the team. Arellano will also parade a new coach in Cholo Martin.

The opening ceremony at 12 noon ushers in the new season of the coutry’s oldest collegiate league.

But this year, the NCAA management committee headed by Arellano’s Peter Cayco opted for a simple opening ceremony.

“We will have no special guests or even guest speakers. Our Policy Board president will only declare the season open,” said Cayco.

“We have prepared a colorful setting that centers on Filipiniana or the fiesta tradition of the Filipinos. I enjoyed watching the rehearsal. It will be a good show,” he said.

The LPU Pirates likewise lost their leaders in former league MVP CJ Perez and ex-skipper MJ Ayaay but stayed generally intact with Mike Nzeusseu, Raymar Caduyac and Marcelino twins JC and JV primed up for big minutes.

“It’s going to be an exciting season for us,” said LPU mentor Topex Robinson.

Letran, for its part, is also considered as a contender despite losing big man Christian Fajarillo, who decided in the last minute to play in the MPBL.

“We like our chances,” said Letran coach Boni Tan, who has taken over from Jeff Napa.