DUE to reasons on and off the court, the NCAA seems to be headed for a refresh in Season 102.
Just some things to look forward to is a new broadcast partner looking to revitalize the brand, the return to another historic venue after last year’s nostalgic run at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and a make-or-break twist in the group format that will surely bring its intended improvements to the century-long league’s latest offering.
READ: San Beda kicks off 'challenging' NCAA title defense vs CSB
And of course, the competition. It's always the competition.
Here, SPIN.ph gives our fearless forecast on where all 10 teams will wind up - and of course, read until the end to know what our crystal ball tells us will be the finals matchup.
10. San Sebastian Golden Stags
A glimmer of hope was seen early in the year when San Sebastian welcomed United Prep Canada's Tony Tan with open arms as both sponsor and shot-caller.
Unfortunately, that glimmer was all that there was, as the Golden Stags enter the new year without Tan, as well as once-building blocks Jhuniel Dela Rama and Ian Cuahao.
As Rodney Santos does his best to get this latest rebuild for his alma mater off the ground, we expect the same story for Baste as last season: a lot of losses and lessons, with a few eyebrow-raising shockers sprinkled between them.
9. EAC Generals
Last season, EAC was on the precipice of a playoff berth had it not been for JRU closing the door on its hopes in the play-in.
This time around, the format may fall in the Generals' favor, as if they just finish fourth in Group B, they'll have a twice-to-beat advantage for the play-in against the opposite bracket's fifth seed.
Meaning, just improving on their placing by one step already gives them a better chance. If not, though, then the hole just got deeper to get out of.
8. Lyceum Pirates
When you look at Lyceum’s roster, you'll see a healthy mix of veterans and rookies with a few standouts in between. Then there's the cherry on top of the icing in former collegiate champion coach Jamike Jarin.
The old heads already know what Jarin brings to the table: a run-and-gun system that gets the most of his players, whether that be from the juniors to the seniors, and even the PBA.
And for the younger fans not yet familiar with the fiery mentor? Buckle up, it won’t take long for you to see Jarin’s imprint on the Pirates.
7. Perpetual Altas
Much like Las Piñas and its distance from just about anything and everything, Perpetual is dreaded this season.
From flying under the radar to topping the Group A standings and rounding out the podium, the Altas surely outdid themselves in Season 101.
Perps did overachieve last year, but this season, they just may be one Mark Gojo Cruz level-up away from doing more damage.
6. Arellano Chiefs
For the entirety of Season 101, Arellano was the giant-killer who just couldn't get out of its own way.
Several times, the Chiefs punched upward and landed knockouts of heavyweight foes. But several times as well, they got bested by a lower-ranked unit.
For the most part, that’s where we still see T-Mc Ongotan and Co. this season.
5. Benilde Blazers
One thing about Benilde is that, frankly, it's longtime core is no more. Another thing about it is that even so, it's still a damn good team.
Justine Sanchez and the likes of Raffy Celis, Jhomel Ancheta, and SJ Moore will now take the helm sans Allen Liwag - and it's not like this is the first time they Blazers will have to play without their MVP for a long stretch.
The questions about newly-promoted head coach Paolo Layug are understandable, but it also should be remembered he has been on the green-and-white bench, beside both TY Tang and Charles Tiu, for a long time.
4. Mapua Cardinals
If Jarin's return could do wonders for Lyceum, then Chito Victolero may just work miracles for Mapua.
Since the preseason, though, the PBA champion coach has reminded everybody to temper expectations because the Cardinals are still in the feel-out stage, especially since they are basically a new team.
Nonetheless, it's hard not to get excited. After all, where Victolero goes, success inevitably follows.
3. San Beda Red Lions
Hold on, put down your pitchforks. Let us explain.
Yes, San Beda is the defending champion. Yes, its superpower is retooling year in and year out.
But that being said, it's also the team with the most meaningful subtractions as it gears up for a title defense. No Janti Miller, no Yukien Andrada, no Bryan Sajonia, and due to injury, no Nygel Gonzales.
Make no mistake, though, Yuri Escueta and his wards will never be out of the hunt, especially with Aldous Torculas and Jomel Puno suiting up.
San Beda is still formidable. Just not as formidable as the next two squads, in our humble opinion.
2. Letran Knights
We got quite the first taste of Letran's Titing Manalili era last year.
And this season, the Knights gave their primetime playmaker even more toys to play with, the most notable being George Diamante, his former running mate when they were champion Squires.
If last year resulted in a finals appearance and a runner-up finish, there's only one place else to go this time around. Regardless of the outcome, though, this young Letran core will be a problem for years to come.
1. JRU Heavy Bombers
Last year, a young, scrappy JRU squad made it all the way to the quarterfinals, led by first-year head coach Nani Epondulan and bannered by a youth-laden squad of Justin Lozano, Sean Salvador, and Sanlea Peñaverde, among others.
But the overall verdict on them was that season was just setting up what was to come.
Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat have finally been activated for the Heavy Bombers, and much like their namesake, no team in the league is safe when they detonate.
Very rarely do you see a 1-2 punch that is both offensively and defensively gifted, but if Hubilla is the initial blast, then Mangubat brings the widespread destruction that shortly follows.
Mainly because of them, JRU is here. Hop on the bandwagon.
THE FINAL CALL
As much as we hate doubting the Red Lions, there are just two teams who edge them out.
One of those is their archrivals and finals foe from last year, as the Knights charge right back this season still led by Manalili and Jimboy Estrada, who are now backstopped by versatile Diamante.
Then not only will the Heavy Bombers end their nine-year playoff drought, they will also advance to their first finals since 2008. Once there, Mangubat and Hubilla are poised to lead them to a championship they have waited 54 years for.
Without a doubt, JRU will prove to be well-worthy of all the preseason hype, even as Letran will make it work for a historic title - that's our final call.
Or somebody shuts us and our fearless forecast up. We'd be good with that, too.
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