HOW fitting is it that the centennial year of the oldest collegiate league in the country could also be its most unpredictable?
We find ourselves here for NCAA Season 100 with a wide open race to the top.
It hasn’t been the prettiest with transfers here and there changing the complexion of teams, but it certainly added further intrigue to the tournament that will be.
Let’s try to separate the contenders from the pretenders as SPIN.ph takes our best shot at forecasting the upcoming season.
Crown-seekers: Benilde and San Beda
No question, this season is Benilde’s to lose.
Building their roster to contend for Season 100, the Blazers will have the weight of the world on their back and coach Charles Tiu knows it.
But there’s also a world of difference from having a formidable roster on paper to going to war with a championship-dreaming squad.
Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa headline a CSB lineup which is motivated to bring the NCAA trophy back to Taft for the first time since 2000.
But as potent as the Blazers are, they first have to run through defending champion San Beda.
Despite losing Jacob Cortez, the Yuri Escueta-mentored Red Lions are still a force to be reckoned with.
Jomel Puno, Yukien Andrada, and Finals MVP James Payosing are slowly coming to their own, and the Mendiola crew will be bolstered by the additions of Bryan Sajonia and RC Calimag.
Manpower-wise, Benilde and San Beda emerge as the consensus title favorites. Don’t be surprised if we find ourselves watching these two as the last squads standing.
Contenders: Mapua and EAC
Clint Escamis is still, hands down, the best point guard in the collegiate ranks and Mapua’s success will largely hinge on how far the reigning MVP could take it.
With that already settled, the question will be onto who else will step up for coach Randy Alcantara.
There are plenty of options: MC Cuenco and Jeco Bancale should be primed to provide support at the guard position, while Chris Hubilla, John Jabonete, Yam Concepcion, and Aaron Fermin could provide stability for the Cardinals down low.
It’s just a matter of if they could.
EAC, meanwhile, thinks that this is the year that it could break through.
The Generals are the only crew yet to crack the Final Four since joining the league and coach Jerson Cabiltes is primed to end that dry spell.
Harvey Pagsanjan and Axel Doromal will be big additions to the EAC guard rotation which already has King Gurtiza, Nico Quinal, and Kyle Ochavo, while undersized forwards JC Luciano and Wilmar Oftana are ready to punch above their weight.
The only question is... Can their bigs hold up?
Challengers: Letran, JRU, and LPU
For all of Letran’s immense potential, coach Allen Ricardo’s first season at the helm has gone through an inauspicious start with highly touted Titing Manalili being ruled out.
That will leave the Muralla side with Pao Javillonar, who is giving the Knights one last run, together with veterans Kobe Monje and Deo Cuajao, as well as the addition of high-scoring guard Jimboy Estrada, as they try to translate Ricardo’s success in the high school level to the seniors division.
JRU is also motivated to break out, and coach Louie Gonzalez has formed a well-rounded crew which puts defense first, as always.
Jonathan Medina and Joshua Guiab are touted to lead the charge, but the biggest ace up the Heavy Bombers’ sleeve will be their unpredictability, as anyone can catch fire at any given day. Bet on Shawn Argente, Mart Barrera, and Marj de Leon to have their moments this season.
And LPU? Mac Guadana is hungry to redeem himself this year and that might just be the best news for coach Gilbert Malabanan.
The Pirates are also looking to build on strong showings of John Barba, JM Bravo, Gyle Montano, and Simon Penafiel last season, but they will have a big gaping hole to fill down low following Enoch Valdez’ graduation and Shawn Umali's defection.
Chasers: Arellano, Perpetual, and San Sebastian
Expectations may not be that grand for Arellano, Perpetual, and San Sebastian, but one would be foolish to look at these teams as easy pickings.
The Chiefs are hopeful that coach Chico Manabat’s second season at the helm will bring good returns, all the more with Basti Valencia and T-Mc Ongotan stepping up to take the lead role. Lorenz Capulong will also be a problem in the paint, while Renzo Abiera, Maverick Vinoya, and Dom Dayrit are counted on to take care of the wings.
Christian Pagaran will also factor heavily for the Altas, as coach Olsen Racela hopes to unearth gems in this Las Pinas rebuild. Rookies Mark Gojo Cruz and Ruvic Danag are aiming for a seamless transition to the collegiate ranks as they join forces with holdovers JP Boral and Shawn Orgo.
And there’s really nothing to lose for the Golden Stags with coach Arvin Bonleon wanting a supercharged offense from deep. Keys are now in the hands of the trio of Paeng Are, Raymart Escobido, and Tristan Felebrico as they try to aid the Recto side make an impact.
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