NCAA Overview: Collegiate classic
MANILA, Philippines - Who ever said the UAAP is better than the NCAA? The longest-running athletic association, now on its 86th year, is where epic rivalries were born. Naturally, it has undergone the most significant changes in the history of collegiate sports. This season’s National Collegiate Athletic Association, hosted by basketball defending champions San Sebastian College-Recoletos, accepted two former guest schools as new probationary members — Arellano University (AU) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC). With the autonomous success of the offshoot league NCAA South in the CALABARZON Region and southern Metro Manila, it looks like the country’s premier college league is eyeing more expansion.
Arellano University Chiefs
NCAA 86 looks like a bigger season for the former guest school alongside its batch-mate EAC. Last year, the Chiefs started participating as a guest team, where they were eligible to win the trophy. The neophyte cagers almost made it to the Final Four and still finished fifth place, with a win-loss record of 8-10. Giorgio Ciriacruz, arguably one of the strongest names at the Arellano camp, was included in the Mythical Five.
Colegio De San Juan De Letran Knights
The Letran Knights remain a strong contender in the league. With a record-holding 16 NCAA basketball championships, the decades-old franchise finished fairly strong last year. The Knights reached the Final Four last season with a heartbreaking loss to runners-up San Beda Red Lions. On the other hand, Letran cagers Jarelan Tampus and Glenn Khobuntin entered the prestigious Mythical Five at the end of the tournament. But this year will be tough for the Knights as they recently lost to San Sebastian and Jose Rizal.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers
The youngest tertiary institution of the league, which joined in 1998, probably wishes to relive its 2000 performance when the College of Saint Benilde grabbed its first NCAA senior title. The La Salle school is known for excelling in a majority of sports events, including the General Championships in NCAA 81, 83 and 84. Last year, the Blazers finished a poor 6 for 12 win-loss card. But that could change this season as the Taft-based squad started NCAA 86 with a win. The Blazers promise a tough battle against San Sebastian.
Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals
The newly-christened probationary member school of the NCAA hopes to improve on their presence in the league. However, the Generals finished 6-12 in the elimination round last season. To date, Emilio Aguinaldo holds a critical 0-3 card including a loss against the defending champs the Stags.
Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers
Although the Mandaluyong-based squad is known to be a tough contender in the league, Jose Rizal has not achieved any NCAA general championship. During last season’s basketball tourney, the Heavy Bombers finished third place with a 15-3 record. JRU hotshot Louie Vigil took home the season’s Most Valuable Player and joined the Mythical Five together with Joshue Saret. This season, Cameroonian import Joe Etame promises to be a tough player as he helped the team win its first in two outings.
Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals
Mapua got its last seniors basketball championship in 1991. Although it holds the most number of General Championships in the NCAA, with 20, the Intramuros-based team needs to prove its name on the hard court. Last season, the Cardinals finished with a 6-12 record, while they hold a 1-1 card in the current season’s first round.
San Beda College Red Lions
The NCAA 85 runner-up eyes the prize this year. Although it lost to defending champ San Sebastian last season, it looks like a stronger year for the founding member school. During that year, San Beda cager Baser Amer took home both the Finals Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year. The Red Lions aims to achieve its current 3-0 record this season.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags
Defending champions San Sebastian Golden Stags have a firm grip on their NCAA crown. Last season, San Sebastian cager Ian Salansang finished the finals with the Defensive Player of the Year award. The Stags try to stay on top, playing against other competing schools during the third round. NCAA fans await the face-off between the Golden Stags and the Red Lions.
University of Perpetual Help Altas
The Las Piñas cagers of Perpetual Help face a tough tournament this year. Their current 0-3 standing is reminiscent of their performance during Season 85 where the Altas ended ninth place. Perpetual Help recently lost to the Letran Knights with a finishing score of 87-69.
