WITH the centennial year of the NCAA fast approaching, it’s all business now for the 10 squads as they prepare for tip-off scheduled in early September.
And the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup was the best opportunity for them to do so, as they gauge their progress while sizing up the competition even before NCAA Season 100 commences.
As the preseason draws to a close, here are five takeaways for the NCAA.
Most unpredictable season ever?
On paper, Benilde should be the favorites with the roster that it has heading into the season. That’s what you get when you finally get a chance to unfurl Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa on your roster.
But if the preseason was any indication, no team is coming in as a pushover – even those which wallowed at the cellar last year.
Arellano and San Sebastian have been competitive and gave favored squads a run for their money in their clashes, while usual suspects like San Beda, Mapua, and Letran, as solid as they are, have also shown chinks in their armor.
Though the Blazers feel that this season is theirs for the taking, it would take a lot for them to really take the crown home.
Clint Escamis needs help
Reigning NCAA MVP Clint Escamis, without question, is still the best playmaker in the league - if not all of the collegiate ranks.
But as brilliant as he is, Mapua’s success would need more than just his one-man show if they want to earn a return trip to the Finals.
Chris Hubilla’s entry has been a positive development for the Cardinals, as well as the emergence of frontcourt players John Jabonete and Yam Concepcion, while rookie Lawrence Mangubat has also been solid since moving up to the seniors.
However, coach Randy Alcantara would need more help from the others - particularly guards MC Cuenco and Jeco Bancale - and for them to do that consistently if they want to complete this revenge tour of theirs.
Expect Letran’s resurgence behind new faces
Letran went to its champion juniors team to rescue its seniors team - and the early returns have been nothing short of impressive.
Give it to coach Allen Ricardo for bringing in his hard-nosed system from the Squires to the Knights, and neophyte guard Jonathan Manalili has been the anchor in making that change possible, netting norms of 9.0 points, 5.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
And it’s been infectious, with veterans Pao Javillonar and Kobe Monje embracing that high-octane, high-energy approach to once again make Letran basketball must-watch.
The entry of Jimboy Estrada, the super scorer from St. Clare, is also a big plus that gives the Knights a much-needed go-to guy when the offense stagnates.
Don’t be surprised to see Letran back in the thick of things this season.
EAC is going to be a problem
Emilio Aguinaldo College is primed for a big year, and it’s not solely because of the entry of Harvey Pagsanjan.
King Gurtiza, Nico Quinal, and Kyle Ochavo have all settled into their roles, making the Generals a dangerous crew with their combination of sweet-shooting and tenacious defense.
Coach Jerson Cabiltes is no stranger to success, and with EAC the only school in the entirety of the NCAA not to reach the Final Four, expect those fortunes to change sooner than later.
San Beda needs to find the right guard
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta would be the first to say that he doesn’t feel like his side is the defending NCAA champion. That may be the case when the heart of last year’s squad left for greener (pun intended) pastures.
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But the Red Lions are still the reigning kings, and the search for the next stabilizer in Mendiola is still that - a search.
Finals MVP James Payosing is slowly coming to his own, Bryan Sajonia will never lose confidence whenever he has the leather, and Escueta is still demanding consistency from his point guards like Penny Estacio, AJ Royo, and Emman Tagle.
Fortunately for them, Jomel Puno has been a reliable presence from the frontcourt, but he can’t do it by his lonesome if San Beda wants to keep the crown.
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