NCAA Season 101 is set to begin this week with a new format, which includes being drawn into groups for the elimination round. Before the games officially kick off, get caught up on the teams in Group A: Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
NCAA Season 100. Photo: Vyn Radovan
Arellano Chiefs banking on improved chemistry
Arellano University Chiefs
Key losses: Lorenz Capulong
Key holdovers: Basti Valencia, CJ Libang, T-Mc Ongotan, Maverick Vinoya, Ernjay Geronimo
Season 100 record: 7-11 (7th)
The Chiefs are baking on familiarity and an improved chemistry as they enter Season 100.
Chico Manabat is entering his third season with the Chiefs and much of the team’s core and veterans are still donning the light blue and gray.
Arellano’s usual contributors in Ongotan, Valencia, Vinoya, and Geronimo are combing back with more fire as they seek to bring the Chiefs to the semifinals in the tournament’s new format.
A big loss, however, is big man Capulong who has been an anchor in defense in their Season 100 run. Still, CJ Libang is ready to step up for that role.
Renzo Abiera, Anthony Borromeo, Leyton Buenaventura, Anjord Cabotaje, Yuan Camay, Dominic Dayrit, Girbaud Demetria, Joseph Hernal, Matthew Langit, Dre Miller, Andrei Acop, Kyle Anama, and Joseph Espiritu also comprise the team.
NCAA Season 100. Photo: Vyn Radovan
LPU Pirates eye return voyage to semis anew
Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates
Key losses: JM Bravo, Mclaude Guadaña, Greg Cunanan
Key holdovers: Ato Barba, Gyle Montaño, Simon Peñafiel, Renz Villegas
Season 100 record: 10-8 (4th)
Still expect a solid performance from the Pirates as they enter the new season.
They may have lost JM Bravo who is now turning his attention to the pros, Greg Cunanan who has played out his final year, and Mclaude Guadaña who is not suiting up this season due to an injury, but many of their veterans are returning for another run.
Gyle Montaño, Simon Peñafiel, and Renz Villegas are back to continue the Pirates’ semis run, along with the likes of last year’s revelations in Jonathan Daileg and Michael Versoza.
However, expect Ato Barba to go nuclear this season as he proves he should have been selected in the recent PBA Draft, especially after a breakout season which put him in Season 100’s Mythical Team.
Completing the team are Jovan Abregana, Lance Aurigue, Gen Aviles, Richmond Casiño, Nathaniel Fuentes III, Omar Gordon, Jasper Matienzo, Neil Moralejo, Lyon Pallingayan, Dave Paulo, and Jethro Reyes.
NCAA Season 100. Photo: Vyn Radovan
Defending champion Mapua out for back-to-back titles
Mapua University Cardinals
Key losses: Chris Hubilla, Lawrence Mangubat, Jeco Bancale
Key holdovers: Clint Escamis, JC Recto, Yam Concepcion, Cyrus Cuenco
Key additions: Cyril Gonzales, Cyrus Nitura, Icee Callangan
Season 100 record: 15-3 (champion)
It’s nice to be on top and the Cardinals eye one more in Season 101.
After breaking a title drought which lasted for more than three decades, Mapua is aware that a title defense is harder than chasing one.
Still, head coach Randy Alcantara said they are ready come the season opener.
The Cardinals lost crucial pieces in Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, who has since transferred to Jose Rizal University after winning the crown last December.
Clint Escamis is back for his last dance as he held off his pro dreams and made sure to lead Mapua once again to promised land, along with reliables in Cyrus Cuenco, Yam Concepcion, and JC Recto.
Despite some losses, the Cardinals also have new talents in Cyril Gonzales, who is coming from the University of the Philippines, former Perpetual player Cyrus Nitura, and former Junior ALTAs member Icee Callangan.
Sharfrazkhan Abdulla, Drex Delos Reyes, Joe Gulapa, Andrei Igliane, Ivan Lazarte, Sebastian Reyes, Edward Ryan III, and Earl Sapasap are also part of the Cardinals’ lineup for their back-to-back bid.
NCAA Season 100. Photo: Vyn Radovan
Is this the right time for San Sebastian?
San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags
Key losses: Nikko Aguilar, Reggz Gabat
Key holdovers: Paeng Are, TJ Felebrico
Key additions: Jhuniel dela Rama, Jaime Gomez de Liaño, Ian Cuajao
Season 100 record: 6-12
The San Sebastian Golden Stags are entering another season with another new coach.
After Egay Macaraya in Seasons 97 and 98, the Golden Stags have been under the supervision of John Kallos in Season 99, and Arvin Bonleon in Season 100.
Now, Rob Labagala is coming in and he said that the Golden Stags will be patient in getting better.
With a new system comes a new approach which fans should watch out.
Still, the explosive Paeng Are is returning to the Stags, along with Mythical Team member TJ Felebrico.
Top-notch rookies who made their names in the juniors division such as Jhuniel dela Rama and Ian Cuajao are also coming into the picture, along with a familiar surname for collegiate fans — Gomez de Liaño — who will be represented by Jaime, the younger brother of pros Javi and Juan.
Completing the team are Matt Acosta, Jerover Cabilla, Clarence Cruz, Markus Dimaunahan, Ralph Gabbat, Axcel Kitane, Jose Andre Lumanag, Gabriel Nepacena, Thomas Pillado, Harold Ricio, Vincent Segovia, and Leonardo Velasco.
NCAA Season 100. Photo: Vyn Radovan
More talent coming for Perpetual ALTAs
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ALTAs
Key losses: Christian Pagaran
Key holdovers: John Abis, JP Boral, Mark Gojo Cruz
Key additions: Patrick Sleat, JD Pagulayan, Jan Roluna
Season 100 record: 7-11 (5th)
After Olsen Racela’s first season as an NCAA head coach, more talents are coming to beef up the ALTAs.
Make way for Patrick Sleat, one of Racela’s former stalwarts at Far Eastern University, who eyes individual growth as well aside from contributing to the Las Piñas crew.
High school champions from the Junior ALTAs in JD Pagulayan and Jan Roluna also moved up to the collegiate ranks as they aim to bring their championship experience to Perpetual.
John Abis, JP Boral, and Mark Gojo Cruz are also coming back, along with Josiah Alcantara, Aries Borja, Kenji Duremdes, Angelo Gelsano, Kevin Guibao, Kyle Magdangal, Ray Allen Maglupay, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, Emmanuel Pizzaro, and JM Tulabut.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
