NCAA Season 85 - 2009

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
SEASON 85
“Winning Drive @ 85! Instituting Change, instilling
pride, inspiring excellence through sports”
LEAGUE NEWS
NCAA TACKLES ISSUE OF EXPANSION

April 03, 2009
Lifted from: Malaya Online Edition
The possibility of admitting at least one school and adding four new sports
disciplines in the NCAA's Season 85 would be known today when the league's Policy
Board holds an emergency closed door meeting in Manila.
League president Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, of host San Beda, would chair the
meeting that is expected to tackle as its main agenda the issue of including one more
team to complete an eight-team roster in the season unfolding on June 27 at the Big
Dome.
The board is expected to choose among Arellano University, Angeles University

Foundation, Lyceum and Emilio Aguinaldo College to join the seven regular teams
headed by reigning three-peat champion San Beda.
Although the Policy Board would have the last say, De Jesus said the additional
fans one more participant would bring in could be a factor. "More teams would simply
mean more fans," he said. "But everything would have to go through the Policy Board
first."
Also on the board's table is the addition of four Olympic sports in this year's
calendar -- boxing, fencing, archery and air rifle.
De Jesus originally stated he would strongly push for boxing in line with the
Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines' thrust to win the country its first Olympic
gold medal in the 2012 London Games.
By adding boxing and the other three Olympic events, De Jesus hopes the
league could help in the cause.
This year, the league is adding soft tennis as a demonstration sport.
College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 2

NCAA opens door to three guest schools
By: Cedelf P. Tupas
April 21, 2009
Lifted from: INQUIRER.net
Three months after they were turned down in their bid to join the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Arellano University, Angeles University
Foundation and Emilio Aguinaldo College are now on the verge of making the roster as
guest teams of the country's oldest collegiate league.
Realizing the need to expand its fan base, the NCAA last week invited the three
schools to beef up the seven-school league for its 85th season, which reels off on June
27 at the Araneta Coliseum.
"More teams mean more supporters," said NCAA president Fr. Mat de Jesus of
San Beda. "To put it simply, the more the merrier."
Arellano and six other schools, including AUF and EAC, failed to make the grade
in February after the league's policy board failed to come up with the needed two-thirds
vote to accept them.
Lyceum was also a candidate to be a guest team but the absence of a high
school program, a requirement to join the NCAA, doomed its chances, according to
Inquirer sources.
Arellano, AUF and EAC, however, need to cough up at least a P1.5 million
entrance fee and a P500,000 bond, NCAA management committee chair Mari Lacson
of San Beda said.
They are also required to participate, not just in basketball, but track and field
and swimming.
The league has given the three schools up to April 24 to formally accept the
invitation, Lacson said.
But De Jesus clarified that joining the league as regular members is an entirely
different thing.

NCAA up to 10 teams in Season 85
April 25, 2009
Lifted from: GMANEWS.tv
It is now official.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will parade 10 teams after
the three schools they invited to join as guest participants in Season 85 agreed to join
the league this year.
League president Fr. Mat De Jesus, OSB, of San Beda College Friday made the
announcement following the decision of Arellano University, Angeles University
Foundation and Emilio Aguinaldo College to accept the conditions they earlier set.
In a two-page letter, all three schools agreed to field in teams not just in
mandatory sports such as basketball, football, swimming, volleyball, cheerleading, and
athletics. They also have an option to take part in the other events.
Arellano, AUF, and EAC also agreed to pay a guest fee amounting to P1.5million
plus a bond of P500,000. The bond will be refunded at the end of the season provided
that the schools will not incur a penalty that requires cancellation of the bond.
The three would also have to abide by the NCAA constitution and by-laws,
ground rules and all other league rules and regulations. They s hould also respect the
decisions of the policy board and management committee each chaired by De Jesus
and Jose Mari Lacson, also of San Beda.
In case of court cases, the school athletes, coaches and other team officials must
agree to arbitrate any and all disputes that may arise from fielding a team in Season 85.
The San Beda rector pointed out though that being guest teams is entirely
different from being member schools.
"The policy board, by inviting your school to field guest teams in Season 85, is
not admitting your school as a member of the NCAA or giving due course to your
application," said de Jesus. "The process of selecting additional NCAA members is
entirely separate and distinct from the fielding of guest teams and this invitation is not a
precedent for guesting in future seasons."
Philippine Christian University (PCU), which took an indefinite leave of absence

this year, may reapply for this season for inclusion in NCAA's Season 86.
The 2009 edition would have its opening ceremonies on June 27 at the Araneta
Coliseum followed by senior's basketball games.

NCAA in time of A(H1N1)
By: Joey Villar
June 25, 2009
Lifted from: Philstar.com
Coaches Eric Gascon of Angeles University, Ariel Vanguardia of JRU, Nomar

Isla of Emilio Aguinaldo College, Chito Victolero of Mapua and Junjie Ablan of Arellano
University join hands for the success of the coming NCAA season. JOEY MENDOZA
With a record 10 teams and four new coaches, the 85th NCAA basketball season
unwraps on Saturday with host San Beda eyeing a fourth straight championship and
Jose Rizal U seeking to complete an unfinished business as the league remains upbeat
despite the threat of A(H1NI).
The Red Lions, who defused the Bombers in sudden death to score a three-peat
last year, open their campaign against a new-look Mapua side at 2 p.m., Jose Rizal U
and Letran square off at 4 p.m. and Perpetual Help battles San Sebastian in the 6 p.m.
main game of an explosive triple-bill at the Araneta Coliseum.
NCAA president Rev. Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, of San Beda yesterday officially
ushered in the 85th season of the country's oldest league with a theme: "Winning
Drive@85: Instituting Change, instilling pride, inspiring excellence through sports."
De Jesus, who was accompanied by top officials of all 10 participating schools,

including Management Committee chair Jose Mari Lacson, also of San Beda, reiterated
the season will push through as scheduled despite the Influenza A(H1N1) virus scare.
"We're abiding with all the guidelines set by the Department of Health and the
Commission on Higher Education regarding the virus so we see no problem with that,"
said de Jesus.
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney will be the guest speaker in the inaugural rites to
be highlighted by what promises to be a production number to remember.
"We hope it will be a sight to remember, a spectacle to see. It will show the best
the NCAA could offer," said de Jesus.
The Lions remain a potent force this year despite losing Nigerian behemoth Sam
Ekwe, Pong Escobal and Ogie Menor as they tapped American giant Sudan Daniel to
man the slot and intimidate rivals this time.
With the 6-10 Daniel at the helm, San Beda topped the Nike Summer League
and reached the semifinals of the Fil-Oil/Flying V MVP Cup recently to underscore its
readiness to extend its reign.

"We're all ready to go to war," said San Beda skipper Bam Bam Gamalinda
speaking in behalf of coach Frankie Lim, whose father passed away recently.
Jose Rizal, which came a win away from unseating San Beda, is tipped to
contend for the title again this year with the core of its runner-up squad intact.
On Monday, it will be the three guest teams' turn to show their wares as Angeles
University Foundation takes on St. Benilde at 2 p.m. and Arellano U and Emilio
Aguinaldo College collide at 4 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan City.
The league will be run by Aric del Rosario as this year's commissioner replacing
Joe Lipa.
"There are some minor changes but nothing much really changed," said del
Rosario, who steered UST to a UAAP four-peat in the 90s.
Aside from the three guest teams, four new coaches will try to make an
immediate impact in the league, including former PBA MVP Ato Agustin of San
Sebastian, Boris Aldeguer of Perpetual Help, Chito Victolero of Mapua and Richard del
Rosario of St. Benilde. They took over from Jorge Gallent, Bai Cristobal, Leo Isaac and
Gie Abanilla, respectively.
Former pro and Far Eastern U hotshot Eric Gascon, Junjie Ablan and Nomar Isla
will handle AUF, Arellano and EAC, respectively.
Aside from the slam-dunking Daniel, the league will also parade another foreign
player in Joe Etame of Cameroon, who will backstop Jose Rizal U.
The 6'10 Etame, a rebounding and shotblocking ace who joined countryman
Ntou Njei at the Bombers' fold, however, would have to sit it out for the next two weeks
after injuring a left knee.
"Joe would only get to see action in the first week of July, we will miss his
defense in his absence," said Vanguardia.
PRE-SEASON REVIEWS: GUEST TEAMS
Guest school AUF out to make NCAA surprise

Izah Morales
June 23, 2009
Speed is the keyword for Angeles University Foundation, one of three guest
schools in the upcoming National Collegiate Athletic Association season 85, which
opens June 27 at the Araneta Coliseum.

AUF, along with Emilio Aguinaldo College and Arellano
University, will make their NCAA debut on June 29. AUF faces
College of St. Benilde at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
"As of now, we are working on our running game. That's

what we are implementing," said AUF coach Enrico Gascon via
phone interview with INQUIRER.net.
According to him, the AUF Great Danes are practicing twice a day, six days a
week in a gym in the former Clark Air Base in their home province of Pampanga
Aside from speed, Gascon counts outside shooting to be a strength for his team.
The Great Danes will be parading a tall lineup of veteran players including power
forward Mathew Carney, Lemuel Manarang, center Gerald Gigante, guards Aaron
Santos, Gian Fuerte, and Patrick Musni.
"Almost all of them are six-footers," said Gascon.
Carney, who is half-American, half-Filipino, stands at six-foot-four while center

Gigante measures is six-foot-four and a half. Both Manarang and Fuerte are six-foot-
three.
AUF's roster also includes five rookies raring to make their collegiate debut in the
NCAA. Gascon expects AUF to play its best as one of three guest schools challenging
reigning champ San Beda.
"We just have to win one game at a time. As long as we keep playing our best
each time," he said. "I always remind them to have good communication and learn to
read game situations on the court."
"Offense will follow when you have a good defense," added Gascon.
Last January, the Great Danes participated in the Fr. Martin's Cup, which gave
them the chance to see how NCAA schools play.
"We usually join national leagues like the National Inter-Collegiate Basketball,"
said Gascon.
The Great Danes are not to be taken lightly since they are defending champions
of the National Inter-Collegiate Basketball, after defeating the National Capital Region
team last year.
AUF also played recently in the 7th Asian University Basketball Championship.

Angeles University Foundation Great Danes
By: Mike Abasolo
June 21, 2009
Lifted from: Inboundpass.com
Head Coach: Eric Gascon
Projected Starting Five: Dian Paulo Henson – 5′7 Point Guard, Aaron Santos – 6′1
Shooting Guard, Limmuel Moises Manarang – 6′2 Small Forward, Matthew Gray Carney
– 6′4 Power Forward, Tristan Perez, Small Gerard Gigante – 6′4 Center
Off the Bench: 6′2 Jethron Dumlao, 6′3 Guian Arnell Fuertez, 5′7 Patrick Musni
Others: Donald Kenneth Calma, 6′4 Jon Cayanan, Chucky Gomez, 6′3 Rowell Maniago,
Tristan Perez, Ralph Nacu, Kevin Frederick Sazon.
Another proven winner with a National Students Basketball Champio nship under
its belt, the Great Danes are another addition in the NCAA’s long search to fill the last
remaining slot in the league.
There are two players to watch for in the Great Danes line up namely, Filipino
American Forward Matthew Carney and exciting and athletic utility man Aaron Santos.
Questions arise on how the Great Danes will perform is a much bigger stage. But if
they’re looking for a challenge, they really came to the right place to strut their stuff.
Arellano vows to meet 'NC' requirements

April 22, 2009
Lifted from: Inquirer.net
Arellano University has vowed to meet all the conditions set by

the National Collegiate Athletic Association so it can become a
regular member by next season.
One of these requirements includes mandatory participation in

other events like volleyball, track and field and swimming.
Val Cayco, Arellano's marketing chief who also handles the

school's athletic affairs, also announced the appointment of Junjie Ablan as head coach
of its senior basketball team which will see action in the NCAA basketball tournament
starting June 27.
"We're ready to meet all the requirements. We're looking forward to playing in the
NCAA," Cayco said.

Arellano University is one of three guest schools that will play in the coming
NCAA tournament. The two others are Pampanga's Angeles University Foundation and
Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Leo Isaac, Arellano's athletic director, was supposed to coach the team, but has
become ineligible because he is currently coaching the Baako Bulls in the PBA.
"But I would be there as athletic director to give coach Junji advice and
guidance," said Isaac.
The Chiefs will parade the same roster they entered in the NCRAA, its mother
league last year, except for its top gun, Philippine Basketball League standout Orlando
Daroya.
Arellano University Chiefs

By: Mike Abasolo
June 21, 2009
Credential: 14th and 15th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) Back
to Back Champions
Head Coach: Cresencio Ablan, Jr. (1st Year)
Key Losses: Jordan Melano and Orlando Daroya.
Holdovers: Jerome Agustin – Guard, Leonard Anquilo – Guard, Andrian Celada –

ForwardIsaiah Ciria Cruz – Forward, Giorgio Ciria Cruz – Center, Ronnel Del Rosario –
Center Ed Rivera – Center, Rodrigo Apostol – Guard, Jerry Miranda – Shooting Guard,
Allen Paul Virtudazo – Forward
Additions: Rodan Reducto (Rookie)– Forward, John Marco Tayontong (Rookie) – Guard
Ralph Crysler Salcedo (Rookie) – Forward, Erwin Catapang (Rookie) – Center, Mark
Russel Dimla (Rookie) – Guard
Background
The Chiefs are entering Season 85 with a lot of enthusiasm. Their much
publicized echoing intentions of joining the league has finally been answered. Now that
their here, can they handle the limelight of playing in the oldest collegiate league in the
land? The answer is just days away.
Key Changes
Arellano will be without two of their most valuable assets in multi faceted
swingman Orlando Daroya and utility man Joudan Melano. Interesting note though, the

Chiefs will be parading probably on record, the smallest point guard to play in the
NCAA, 5′1 Leonard Anquilo. Jerome Agustin will start as led point guard while Allen
Paul Virtudazo can easily switch from small forward to two -guard depending on need
when the smaller but speedy Anquilo is on the floor. Veteran Adrian Celada will be their
primary scorer to compliment the Ciria Cruz’s – Gio and Isaiah in the shaded area while
Center Ed Rivera will come off the bench for relief duties.
Outlook
It is Junji Ablan’s rookie year as head coach. Athletic Director and former head
coach Leo Isaac made sure that he left the Chiefs in capable hands by appointing his
former deputy from his coaching days with the Cardinals. With almost half the roster
filled with fresh manpower, expect the Chiefs to struggle but will make life miserable for
some teams in the league.
Prognosis
If they play up to their potential and put their money were their mouth is, Arellano
can do some damage if the others start to take them for granted and not pay attention,
after all, a badge that says back to back champions is a rarity in any league. They
came into the NCAA a winner and the Chiefs will surely come out every game to prove
a point.
African import banners EAC Generals

By: Izah Morales
May 30, 2009
League newcomer Emilio Aguinaldo College is hoping for an ace

up its sleeve in African import Romeo Fortue.
Fortue, who hails from Cameroon, is expected to be a force for the

Generals, entering next NCAA season as one of three guest schools
along with Arellano University and Angeles University Foundation
EAC coach Gino Manuel said Fortue may lead the team in its maiden stint in the
NCAA.
"We are a young team, though, and need to learn a lot more things," Manuel said
in Filipino.
Fortue, who wears jersey # 11, plays shooting guard for the Generals and has
good outside range. Joining him in the backcourt are Argel Mendoza and Jay Santos.

"We are currently in the final stages of our preparation (for next season)," said
Manuel, noting his team trains six days a week as it prepares for the tournament, which
kicks off June 27.
"We do skills training in the mornings and work on 'team concept' in the
afternoon," Manuel told INQUIRER.net in an interview.
The Generals saw action in the Nike Summer League but did not make it past
the elimination rounds.
Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals

By: Christian Soler
June 22, 2009
Credentials: 2004-2006 UCAA champions, 2004 NCRAA champions, 2004 and 2006
University Games champions
Head coach: Nomar Isla (1st season in the NCAA)
Provisional lineup: Ferdinand Anquilo (F), Franz Chiong (G), Claude Cubo (F), Dhan
Diolanto (F), Arjay del Rosario (G), Romeo Fotue (G), Ruel Jabaybay (C), Jeff Lapitan
(C), Mark Jason Liwag (G), Loh Chee Hau (C), Argel Mendoza (G), Mark Roldan (F),
Bon Sablan (F), Adrian Santos (F), John Santos (G), Neil Tuazon (F), Roy Villegas (G),
Rusell Yaya (F), Lowell Yaya (F)
Background
Emilio Aguinaldo College’s winning tradition came to a halt in 2008 as it fell to the
upstart Universal College Golden Dragons in the UCAA Finals and failed to make the
title series in the NCRAA. Over at the Philippine Collegiate Championships, the
Generals weren’t able to crack the Sweet 16 after losing by 18 to the University of the
East in the Luzon Zonals.
Key changes
Center Emmanuel Mbe and scoring machine Julius Ace Quiambao are the
significant losses for the San Marcelino outfit, with the former now enrolled in St.
Benilde and the latter playing out his eligibility. In years past, the Generals have relied
on big game, one-man wrecking crews in the form of Niño Songco, Ronjay Buenafe and
Gester Ebuen. This time, expect Isla’s wards to share the ball more.

Outlook
EAC boasts of one of the NCAA’s tallest lineups. Lapitan, at 6’6‖ and the 6’5‖
Jabaybay can do damage on both ends of the floor. Loh, at 6’10,‖ is as big as it gets,
although Lapitan and Jabaybay will see more time at the five spot. Diolanto and Cubo
have had solid pre-seasons for EAC. The school’s number one option, though, is Fotue,
a native of Cameroon.
The backcourt troika of Mendoza, Villegas and John Santos is offensive-minded

and aggressive. Together with the athletic big men of the Generals, these guys are
amazing to watch on the fastbreak. Ex-Mapua Cardinal del Rosario is a consistent
back-up, while Chiong has proven to be very reliable.
Prognosis
Emilio Aguinaldo is perhaps the most talented of the three guest teams. At the
very least, this team will win seven games, but can realistically gun for eight or break
even at nine. Just like St. Benilde, this is a dangerous, middle-ranked five that can have
a say when the eliminations draw to a close.
Guest teams debut in NCAA

By: Francis Santiago
June 29, 2009
Lifted from: Manila Bulletin
Guest teams take center stage today as Emilio Aguinaldo College, Arellano
University, and Angeles University Foundation make their debut in the 85th NCAA
basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Out to display the form that made them the UCAA grand slam champions, the
EAC Generals open their title aspirations against the equally dangerous Arellano Chiefs
in the main game at 4 p.m. while the College of St. Benilde tests the mettle of the AUF
Great Danes at 2 p.m.
Junior action pits CSB against AUF at 10 a.m. before Arellano tangles with EAC
at 11:45 a.m.
The Red Lions, determined to extend their championship run to four, crushed the
Mapua Cardinals, 85-52, while the SSC Stags blasted Perpetual Help University, 76-64.
The Heavy Bomber, on the other hand, relied on PBL veterans John Wilson,
James Sena and Marvin Hayes to beat rookie-laden Letran squad, 69-66.
Generals coach Nomar Isla expects a "baptism of fire," but they're ready for it.

"It will be a different kind of feeling out there. Malaking liga na ito at kailangan
namin talagang pagbutihan," said Isla. "This has been the school's dream (to be part of
the NCAA), so we'll try to do our best."
The Generals are no push over.
Before entering the league, the school has already built a name of for itself.
They are the 2004 NCRAA titlists, and the 2004 and 2006 University Games title
holders.
Although they have the most impressive resume among the three guest teams,
the Generals, however, should not take Arellano lightly considering that the Chiefs are
the three-peat champions in the pre-season event -- the Fr. Martin's Cup.
The Chiefs, hoping to make a good impression this year, will be mentored by the
league's youngest coach -- 30-year-old Junjie Ablan, who replaced Leo Isaac, now the
school's athletic director.
The Chiefs will bring in the same line-up they entered in the NCRAA, its mother
league, including siblings Isiah and Giorgio Ciriacruz and Leonard Aquilo, the smallest
player in the league at 5-2.
Facing them on the other side of the court are the Generals' leader Argell
Mendoza and an equally hardworking cast that included Yaya brothers Lowell and
Russell, Claude Cubo and 6-6 Ruel Jabaybay.
NCAA 85th season gets rolling today

June 27, 2009
Lifted from: Journal Online
The post Sam Ekwe era begins for San Beda as the defending champion
launches its bid for a fourth straight title starting today when the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) ushers its 85th season with the centerpiece event of
basketball at the Ara-neta Coliseum.
The Lions plunge right into action in the opening match of a heavy triple header,
taking on the dangerous Mapua Cardinals in a showdown that would be their first
without the 6-foot-9 Ekwe around.
The towering Nigerian played a key role in the Lions' three straight NCAA
championships from 2006-08.
United States Ambassador to the country Kristie Kenney, a known basketball

aficionado, will be the guest speaker in the hour-long rite to be attended by top officials

of all schools including league president Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, and Management
Committee chair Jose Mari Lacson of San Beda.
A production number, capped by the traditional parade of teams that included

guest schools Arellano University, Angeles University Foundation and Emilio Aguinaldo
College highlight the colorful program.
Jose Rizal University, a pre-season favorite like San Beda, tangles with Letran in
the second game at 4 p.m.
The first two games of the season incidentally, featured the same cast of last
year's Final Four won by the Lions and Heavy Bombers to forge their title duel.
San Sebastian then tales on the new-look Perpetual Help Dalta System at 6 p.m.
to cap a busy Saturday for the country's oldest collegiate league.
"We're expecting a bigger, better season since we will be playing with a record
10 teams. We're really excited about it," said de Jesus during Wednesday's media
launch.
On Monday, the three guest schools officially see action.
College St. Benilde tackles Angeles University Foundation, coached by former

FEU stalwart Eric Gascon at 2 p.m., while Arellano battles Emilio Aguinaldo at 4 p.m. in
a doubleheader to be played at The Arena in San Juan.
Aric del Rosario, architect of Santo Tomas' four straight UAAP men's cage titles
in the 90s, is this season's commissioner.
De Jesus stressed not even the threat of the AH1N1 virus could stop the league
from holding its opening games today.
"We're abiding with all the guidelines set by the Department of Health and the
Commission on Higher Education regarding the virus so we see no problem with that,"
said de Jesus.
Interestingly, four new coaches outside of the three guest teams are making their
respective debuts in the NCAA this season.
Former PBA Most Valuable Player and 25 greatest player member Renato
Agustin will be calling the shots for San Sebastian, Perpetual Help is now being handled
by former junior champion coach Boris Aldeguer, Mapua will have Chito Victolero on the
sidelines, while St. Benilde has tapped Richard Del Rosario.

PRE-SEASON REVIEWS: REGULAR TEAMS
San Beda College Red Lions

By: Mike Abasolo
June 21, 2009
2008 Record: 11-3, Split Final Four Series with the Mapua Cardinals, NCAA Season 84
Champions vs. JRU Heavy Bombers, 2-1, 3rd Straight NCAA Title.
Head Coach: Frankie Lim (3rd year)
Key Losses: Sam Ekwe, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor, Kris Taupa, Eduardo Canlas
Key Additions: Sudan Daniel, Rome de la Rosa, Anjo Caram
Holdovers: Chico Tirona, Borgie Hermida, Bam Gamalinda, Jom Villanueva, J.R.
Tecson, Jay-R Taganas, Dave Marcelo, Jake Pascual, Gino Soliman, Garvo Lanete.
Background
Three Championships is an accomplishment for an Institution that has waited 28

years. For a team that is so talented, it lost focus in a mid-season mix up with
unexpected events and was on the verge of self-destruction at seasons’ end if not for
Coach Frankie Lim’s iron hand that kept the ship sailing until confetti flowed from above
the coliseum to ceremoniously ignite San Beda’s historic quest.
Key Changes
Leadership and imposing elements in this team will be slightly absent with Pong
Escobal and Sam Ekwe finally hanging up their collegiate jerseys. Borgie Hermida, with
a bit of a disability after suffering an ACL injury during the 2008 PCC, will have to take
the cudgels at the Point Guard spot assuming his playing condition is up to par. While
Hermida is getting his game rhythm back, expect Chico Tirona or Jom Villanueva to
share some minutes at the point guard spot. After a year of waiting, Sudan Daniel will
finally suit up his Red and White uniform to take care of the middle on both ends. Su
has showed some improvement during the later part of the preseason after their training
in Indiana, U.S.A. Another great addition is 6′3 two -guard, small forward Rome de la
Rosa touted as the actual replacement to Ogie Menor who opted to turn pro after years
of service with San Beda.
Outlook
The Red Lions are still loaded but this edition is not as overawe as last year. For
3rd year head coach Frankie Lim, this will be the most challenging season of his
collegiate coaching career. The Red Lions still have the experience and talent to

realistically reach the Final Four, better yet, enters the Finals for the 4th consecutive
time. But a 4th consecutive title? I sincerely believe that the gas has run out and its
about time to put their feet back on the ground.
Prognosis
The Red Lions are still strong in all departments. The Red Lions had three
championships not because of their offense, its their stern commitment to defense that
has made them tough to beat. Their defense triggers their transition attack and their
offense is sound when they share the ball and head hunt for the open man.
Menor quits San Beda 5

By: Cedelf P. Tupas
23 Febraury 2009
Lifted from: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Highly touted amateur standout Ogie Menor on Sunday said pressure from
school officials to sign up with the national team of the Samahang Basketbol ng
Pilipinas made him decide to forego his final year of eligibility with three-time NCAA
defending champion San Beda College.
Menor, who played a major role in the Lions’ amazing run the past three years,
had earlier said he was passing up his final year so he could join the Philippine
Basketball Association rookie draft.
―I love the school but so many things I don’t like are happening already‖ Menor,
who rejected the contract offered by the SBP two weeks ago, told the Philippine Daily
Inquirer Sunday.
―I really wanted to represent the country. But the contract did not have any
guarantees so I decided to join the PBA draft.‖
Menor’s refusal to sign the contract reportedly did not sit well with the school,
whose basketball program is funded by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan.
San Beda coach Frankie Lim hopes that Menor, the 2007 NCAA Finals Most
Valuable Player, reconsiders his decision.
―It’s not a matter of convincing him, but it’s about making the right decision,‖ said
Lim. ―It’s his choice, but I would encourage him to stay [in San Beda]. And if he goes
with the national team, he’ll have lots of exposure.‖

Tougher NCAA title defense for Red Lions
By: Jasmine W. Payo
June 19, 2009
Defending champion San Beda expects a tougher grind when the NCAA
basketball competition rolls off on June 27 with a record 10 teams at the Araneta
Coliseum.
"It's going to be harder because there will be more games," said San Beda coach
Frankie Lim. "We get to play two to three times a week and that's crucial to the
campaign."
Three more schools will see action in Season 85 of the country's oldest varsity
league after the NCAA invited Emilio Aguinaldo College, Arellano University and
Angeles University Foundation to play as guest squads.
"Games will never be easy for us compared with the past two years," said Lim.
"All my starters graduated, so I think it's going to be a tough year for us."
Jose Rizal University, last season's runner-up, takes on Letran at 4 p.m.,

followed by the 6 p.m nightcap between Perpetual Help and San Sebastian College.
The guest teams debut on June 29 with Angeles University Foundation battling
St. Benilde at 2 p.m. and Emilio Aguinaldo College fighting Arellano University at 4 p.m.
at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
But if the summer tournaments are any indication, the Lions remain among the
top seeds following a championship run in the 2009 Nike Summer League and a
semifinal windup in the FilOil Flying V Pre-Season MVP Cup.
New recruit Sudan Daniel, the American rookie tabbed to fill the void left by two-
time NCAA MVP Ekwe, is expected to lead the Lions' charge along with JR Tecson,
Dave Marcelo, Bam Gamalinda, Garvo Lanete and Jake Pascual.
"Sudan will get better," said Lim of the 6-foot-7 Daniel. "There's no way but up.
He can bring in domination, like what Ekwe gave us. He'll be capable of doing that given
the chance."

"T HE GAME OF M Y LIFE"
San Beda still a juggernaut
By: Bill Velasco
June 29, 2009
Lifted from: The Philippine Star
The lavish opening day program of the 85th NCAA season looked like a massive
stage production or international awards program, and opened the college basketball
season in style. Host San Beda College matched the intensity of the opening by
smothering last year's Final Four rival Mapua, 85-52, in a game that was over midway
through the third quarter. The Cardinals, suffering from a miserable shooting game from
their main offensive weapon Allan Mangahas, tried to shoot their way back into it from
the outside, with no luck.
Despite losing center Sam Ekwe, forward Ogie Menor and point guard Pong
Escobal (and along with it more than 30 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists per game),
the Red Lions showed they have more than enough weapons to dispose of opposition
in the NCAA. What makes San Beda so tough?
Size: With a frontline of mobile big men in 6'6" Jake Pascual, 6'5" Dave Marcelo and
6'4" Bam Bam Gamalinda, San Beda can more than match up against the thinner
frontcourt combinations of other NCAA teams.
Depth: We've already mentioned the front wall of the defending champions, but the
guard corps isn't shabby by any stretch of the imagination, either. Although Borgie
Hermida is still recovering from an ACL tear in his right knee and still plays minimal
minutes, there's plenty of help in the backcourt. Chico Tirona more than ably filled in at
the point, and Garvo Lanete and JR Tecson also improved even from last season. With
the big early lead, head coach Frankie Lim was able to play most of his bench, too,
giving his second-stringers valuable experience in front of a huge opening -day crowd.
Experience: Granted, the previous leaders of the team aren't there anymore, but their
teammates who are still around have been there for their entire three-year
championship run. We're talking about Taganas, Gamalinda, Tecson and Hermida, who
even won the adidas Asian Streetball Championship together the year before their
championship string started. They've been in big game situations several times before.
San Beda is actually preparing for when that batch graduates together, and that's soon.
In past years, San Beda lost huge chunks of its multi-titled Red Cubs squads
because past coaches wouldn't guarantee them spots on the senior team. That has
changed, and the priority now is bringing up players who have been part of their
successful juniors system. The results are obvious.
On paper, this year looks like a year of adjustment for several teams in the
NCAA, and this may, at first glance, narrow the field somewhat.

Four teams are still going to be adjusting to new coaches: San Sebastian College
with Ato Agustin, University of Perpetual Help with Boris Aldeguer, College of St.
Benilde with Richard del Rosario, and the aforementioned Cardinals with Chito
Victolero.
The three new teams -- Angeles University Foundation, Emilio Aguinaldo College
and Arellano University -- will be feeling their way around , and the established schools
will be loathe to lose to the rookie squads. That leaves the incomplete Jose Rizal
University, and the retooled Colegio de San Juan de Letran on more stable footing.
At the end of it all, San Beda is sending a message to the rest of the NCAA, that
it's business as usual. The pressure is now on the other teams to pull off surprises.
Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers

By: Christian Soler
June 22, 2009
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to San Beda College in the finals)
Head coach: Ariel Vanguardia (4th season)
Additions: Joel Gabriel, Etame Joe, Adoe Salazar
Subtractions: Alex Almario, Jayson Nocom, Maui Pradas
Holdovers: Jhe Agas, Jecskter Apinan, Jay-r Bulangis, Marc Cagoco, Marvin Hayes,
Raycon Kabigting, Derico Lopez, Nate Matute, John Montemayor, Nchotu John Njei, JR
Sena, John Wilson
Background
After a lethargic start to the season, Jose Rizal zoomed to the top of the
standings after an eight-game winning streak. An equally rocky end to the eliminations
saw JRU go through a rigorous extra two games to book a twice-to-beat Final Four
advantage, one it made use of before taking San Beda to the limit in the finals.
Key changes
Stalwarts Nocom and Pradas are the only key losses for the Heavy Bombers, who’ve
advanced to the Final Four the past two seasons after winning a combined six games in
2005 and 2006.

Among the newbies, expect Joe to make his presence felt, particularly in the low
block where he’ll be required to swat shots and help Hayes and Sena in the rebounding
department. The Cameroonian suffered an injury to his knee over the summer, so a
question mark hangs over his fitness level. The full rotation, though, is intact and
experienced.
Outlook
Boom or bust. The Heavy Bombers have the tools to go all the way and capture
their first title since 1972. They’re deep and loaded in all positions. This current unit also
has experienced what it’s like to play in front of a packed house care of last season’s
trip to the finals, so expect Vanguardia’s wards to be more confident and poised down
the stretch.
Chemistry is also something that should bode well for JRU. This is Cagoco,
Hayes, Sena and Wilson’s fourth year together. All of them have vastly improved since
entering the program in Season 82. The familiarity ideally should translate into better
decision-making skills on the hardwood, something that the Bombers have been
groping for in years past.
Prognosis
Self-belief is something that JRU needs if it is to win it all in 2009. The problems
the past two years haven’t been lack of talent or what not, but more of mental
toughness. If these are sorted out this campaign, Jose Rizal University has a more than
decent chance of taking home the championship.
JRU coach optimistic about Bombers NCAA chances

Saturday, March 21, 2009
Lifted from: GMANews.TV
Jose Rizal University coach Ariel Vanguardia believes the Heavy Bombers have
what it takes of earning a return stint in the finals of Season 85 of the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) despite losing two key personnel in their
rotation.
The Mandaluyong-based dribblers, who came close of ending a 36-year title

drought but lost to eventual champion San Beda in last year's finals, will lose Jay
Nocum and Maui Pradas after they used up their NCAA playing years.
"Malaking bagay din yung dalawa kasi starters sila, but I'm confident na kaya pa
rin naming makabalik ng finals this year (It will be a huge loss since both starters but I'm
still confident that we can still make it to the finals this year)," said Vanguardia.

Vanguardia, however, did not name JRU's new recruit whom he described as a
lean and lanky player but has the skills like Sam Ekwe, San Beda's former Nigerian
center.
"Our new player is athletic like Njei," said Vanguardia referring to their other
Cameroon player Nchotu Njei who was known for being a tireless defender.
With the experience his team gained during their finals outing against the Red
Lions last season, Vanguardia said he picks JRU as one of the title contenders together
with San Sebastian College, Letran and Mapua for the coming season.
"Even Saint Benilde (can be a contender) since they already gained enough
experience and have already adjusted to coach Gee Abanilla's system. So expect a lot
of action this year," said Vanguardia, who is one of former Mapua mentor Leo Isaac's
assistants in the Barako Bull's bench in the PBA.
Vanguardia added they plan to join pre-season tournaments this coming April in
preparation for the next NCAA season. "It will serve as our tune-up for the season. Also,
we will have the chance to see how the build up made by the other NCAA teams."
Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights

By: Christian Soler
June 22, 2009
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to Jose Rizal University in the Final Four).
Head coach: Louie Alas (8th season)
Additions: Jun-Jun Alas, Kevin Alas, Patrick Ang, Jomar Datang, Fred-rick Malabago,
Andrei Pantin, Rey Publico, Aloysius Taplah
Subtractions: Alvyn Cabonce, Dino Daa, Rey Dangcal, Clarence Foronda, Raydhan
Lacamento, Anjoe Latonio, Kojack Melegrito, Regin Ranises
Holdovers: Jaypee Belencion, Jam Cortes, Kirk del Rosario, John Foronda, Rey
Guevarra, Reymar Gutilban, RJ Jazul
Background
The Knights were locked in a four-way tie for second place and emerged from
the mayhem after beating Mapua. Their experience, however, wasn’t enough to see
them past the hungry Jose Rizal University in a virtual best-of-three matchup, losing in a
playoff for the second spot and the Final Four itself.

Key changes
Among the returning seven teams in the league, Letran enters Season 85 with
the most number of players lost (eight). Daa and Melegrito, the squad’s second- and
third-leading scorers, respectively, played out their eligibility in 2008, while Clarence
Foronda and Anjoe Latonio surprisingly bolted for Far Eastern University deep into the
summer.
The Alas brothers and Taplah should see a lot of minutes this year. Kevin Alas,
in particular, was a scoring machine in high school and an almost-prized catch by De La
Salle before deciding to stick it out with his dad in Muralla. Most of the team’s other
rookies emerged from Letran’s fabled Team B.
Outlook
Many pundits are calling this team Louie Alas’ weakest in many years. To some
extent, and on paper, that is, that assertion holds water. Save for the new faces in the
squad, the Knights had mixed results in the summer leagues, finishing fourth in the Nike
League but going 1-6 in the Filoil Flying V Cup. While it can be argued that the
preseason is nothing more than the preseason, coach Alas has gone to the extent of
holding closed-door practices for almost a week last May in an attempt to toughen his
wards.
All isn’t gloom and doom in the blue side of Intramuros, though. Jazul and
Guevarra form a lethal 1-2 punch and had the benefit of training under coach Rajko
Toroman and the Philippine Developmental Team. Jazul is by far the NCAA’s deadliest
sniper, while Guevarra has gradually improved his perimeter game. Belencion and
Gutilban, meanwhile, have been quite consistent the past two months.
Prognosis
The mere presence of a battle -grizzled go-to-guy in Jazul and a solid nine-man
rotation should be enough to throw the ―weakest team in coach Alas’ Letran career‖ tag
out the window. Add to the fact that, in his seven seasons at the helm, he’s made it to
the Final Four seven times, and won it all thrice. 2009 may not up the championship
total to four, but it will at least extend his semis streak to eight.
Mapúa Institute of Technology Cardinals

By: Christian Soler
June 22, 2009
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to San Beda College in the Final Four)
Additions: John Emmanuel Castillo, Ding-Dong Lamosa, Elison Maniego, Nico Magat,
Christian Palma, Mike Parala, Andrei Stevens

Losses: Jonathan Banal, Kelvin de la Peña, Ian Mazo, Jewel Palomique, Neil Pascual
Holdovers: Macky Acosta, Paul Cinco, Erwin Cornejo, Kevin Espinosa, TG Guillermo,
Allan Mangahas, Jason Pascual, Rodel Ranises, Mark Sarangay, Randolf Soriano
Background
Mapua came very close to knocking out defending champions San Beda. It
extended the semifinal matchup to a second game, and was one of only two teams
(JRU being the other) to inflict two losses on the Red Lions all-year long.
Key changes
Of all the returning squads, it’s Mapua that’s suffered the most from the loss of
key players. De La Peña, Mazo and Pascual were all starters who combined for almost
30 points a game. A fourth starter, Banal, tore his ACL and will redshirt Season 85.
The Cardinals, however, have decent rookies in the fold. Magat is a former San
Beda Red Cub, while Paulino was part of the fabled FEU-Fern juniors squads. Castillo,
at 6’4,‖ could help ease first year coach Chito Victolero’s size woes. The wildcard in
Victolero’s lineup is 6’1‖ combo guard Maniego, son of former pro Romy dela Rosa.
Outlook
Victolero takes over a squad whose key cogs weren’t integral parts of the rotation
of his predecessor, Leo Isaac. In simpler terms, Mapua ―veterans ‖ Acosta, Cornejo and
Cinco will be playing unfamiliar roles as starters or, at least, key second -stringers.
Mangahas, last year’s Rookie of the Year, will be the Cards’ main gun. Much of
the offense will revolve around him, as well as Cornejo, who had a consistent summer.
Guillermo, Espinosa, Sarangay and Soriano round out a rotation that’ll be looking to up
the tempo and stay aggressive on the defensive end, particularly the perimeter.
Prognosis
Mapua’s four-year Final Four streak will most likely come to an end this year. Its
losses are just too heavy, and those filling their shoes aren’t the most scarred veterans
in town. However, the Cardinals won’t be as bad as people think. Six wins is a grounded
projection, while eight should already be considered a success for this rebuilding
school.

No worries for new Mapua coach Victolero in '09 NCAA season
April 06, 2009
Lifted from: GMANews.TV
Newly-appointed Mapua Cardinals coach Chito Victolero isn't worried in the

Cardinals upcoming season in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Despite missing three key personnel in the Cardinals rotation, Victolero remains
upbeat as he takes over as Mapua's bench tactician from Leo Isaac, who earlier this
year accepted the coaching job for the Barako Bulls in the PBA.
The Cardinals will be missing former NCAA most valuable player Kelvin Dela
Peña, veteran big man Neil Pascual and reliable wingman Ian Mazo who used up their
playing years.
Under Isaac, the Cardinals made it to the Final Four for two straight years with
Dela Peña, Pascual and Mazo carrying the bulk of the scoring load of the team.
Now that these three reliable veterans are no longer with the team, Victolero will
have a Mapua squad that will be led by new skipper Teree Gil Guillermo, Mark Anthony
Acosta, Paul Alexis Cinco, Jonathan Banal and last year's rookie of the year Allan
Mangahas.
Victolero also instilled a new system of aggressiveness in every game. "Our

system now is to be aggressive and give more energy in practice and in the game.
When we play, we'll make sure it's in our full potential."
"Whatever the outcome of the game, win or lose, we'll be happy. This season
we're just keep working hard on both ends of the floor, defense and offense," added
Victolero who was the Cardinals' court general from 1992 to 1996.
Victolero is also a former member of the Philippine men's basketball team that
won the gold medal in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam and is currently one
of Magnolia Purewater coach Koy Banal's assistants in the Phi lippine Basketball
League.
Victolero also served as Banal's assistant when the San Beda Red Lions
captured the first of their three NCAA titles in 2006. Former Mapua Cardinal Efren
Garcia, Red Robins head coach Randy Alcantara and Marlon Celiz will act as his
assistants.

San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags
By: Mike Abasolo
June 21, 2009
2008 Record: 9-5, Fifth, Eliminated in a playoff for a Final Four slot
Coach: Renato Agustin (1st Season)
Key Losses: Jason Ballesteros, Franz Delgado, Froilan Saquillo, Jim Viray, Vergel
Zulueta,
Key Additions: Calvin Abueva, Raffy Gusi, Jason Gatchalian, Erickson Gatchalian,
Dexter Maiquez, Ronald Pascual, Ian Sangalang.
Holdovers: Jimbo Aquino, Raymond Maconocido, Mark Bringas, Gilbert Bulawan,

Jonathan Semira, Dave Najorda, John Paul Raymundo, Anthony Del Rio, Roberto
Bartolo
Background
If it wasn’t for the JRU Heavy Bombers’ resurgence late in the elimination round,
San Sebastian could be tasting its first trip to the Final Four since Season 81. But even
without Jason Ballesteros and Jim Viray, newly appointed Golden Stags Head Coach,
Ato Agustin, will still have the privilege of leading this team to another crack at the
playoffs and maybe, all the way to the finals.
Key Changes
Changes are for the better. The Golden Stags have just added more weapons
into their stockpile of an already skillful line up. Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian
Sangalang are legitimate ―basketball players‖ that can play on both ends in two or
maybe up to three positions. Raymaundo, Aquino, Bringas, Bulawan and Najorda
already form a reliable core for, adding these three into the mix will make the Golden
Stags a nasty team ready for primetime.
Outlook
With the massive build, the Golden Stags are now poised to at least reach the
Final Four. The possibility of going all the way to the finals is on the horizon. This team
have been prepped to match up with anyone in the league plus the fact that Coach
Agustin is a proven winner since his playing days in the pros and that alone can inject
some needed toughness, a staple they lacked last year under Coach Jorge Gallent.

Prognosis
The Golden Stags are ready to turn the corner this Season 85. They have the
manpower, the pieces plus the skills with a new coach; San Sebastian has the
opportunity to go all the way.
College of St. Benilde Blazers

By: Christian Soler
June 22, 2009
2008 record: 4-10 (sixth place)
Head coach: Richard del Rosario (1st season)
Additions: RJ Argamino, John Debuque, Mark de Guzman, Carlo Lastimosa, Andrew

Musngi, Geo Sia, Lance Sikat, Jorey Tajonera, Jan Tan, David Urra
Subtractions: Archie David, Ilie Johnston, Dustin Posadas, Karl Santos, Garri Sevilla
Holdovers: Mac Abolucion, Chuck Dalanon, Ian dela Paz, Robbie Mañalac, Jacob
Manlapaz, Ardie Martinez, Anjelo Montecastro, Jeff Morial, Aaron Umlas
Background
The Blazers started Season 84 strong, winning their first two games, but failed to
sustain the momentum, particularly i n the second round where they went 1-6. The three
wins on the hardcourt, plus a fourth in the boardroom by way of the Sam Ekwe playing
jersey incident, has given CSB that much-needed confidence boost heading to 2K9.
Key changes
Del Rosario becomes CSB’s third coach in three years, succeeding Gee Abanilla
after the latter’s commitment to the Philippine National Team. On the floor, St. Benilde
loses rotation stalwarts David and Sevilla to eligibility, and the athletic Johnston to
disciplinary reasons.
Guards Mark de Guzman and Carlo Lastimosa are dynamite additions to the
squad, which already has its fair share of quality backcourt players. Far Eastern
transferee Tan is 6’5‖ and legit down low as well as on the mid-range. These three
cagers should immediately contribute for the Taft quintet.

Outlook
It’s no secret that the Blazers will run, run and run some more this season to
compensate for their lack of ceiling. Last year’s team also lacked that big-time presence
underneath, so CSB is quite used to playing small ball. The only difference between
2008 and 2009 is that this unit is even quicker and arguably more talented thanks to the
combination of solid rookies and returning vets like Dalanon, Manlapaz, Montecastro
and Morial.
Prognosis
De La Salle, or ―main,‖ in Taft jargon, has hogged the basketball limelight for
seemingly a century at St. Benilde’s expense. While this isn’t as surprising as CSB’s
six-year Final Four drought, it shouldn’t be reason to ignore the darker shade of green in
2009. This is the best Benilde team since it last made the semis in 2002. A 9-9 record
and a shot at the playoffs aren’t out of reach.
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas

By: Mike Abasolo
June 21, 2009
2008 Record: 2-12, 8th place
Head Coach: Boris Aldeguer (1st Year)
Key Losses: Rommel Balboa, Franz Dysam, Neil de la Cruz, Mike Kong, Jibbson Kong,
Andy Mejos, Harry Petilos, Ronald Reyes
Key Additions: Jonathan Belorio, Billy Carullo, Chrisper Elorpe, Lester Dickens, Michael
de la Cruz, Vincent Medrana, Lawrence Manalo, Stevenson Suyat, Jason Salvado, Dale
Villadoes.
Holdovers: Raffy Ynion, Nathaniel Salanga, John Galabin, Rommel Vivero, Christian
Liaz, Robert Hainga
Background
Newly appointed Head Coach Boris Aldeguer will have his hands full this Season
from an already dismal performance last year. Though this former coach from the De
La Salle Zobel Green Archers know how to win, still, doubts linger on how the Altas will
perfom in Season 85 with the kind of material they’ve assembled for the war ahead.

Key Changes:
With Ronald Reyes and Neil De La Cruz out due to an ACL injury while Franz
Dysam opted to stay in his hometown of Cebu City to attend to some family matters, the
point Guard chores will be left in the hands of rookie Chris Elorpe. John Galabin will be
expected to start as the utility man for this squad and will be expected to contribute
more from his 3-points in 15 minute production last year.
Outlook
Without a legitimate big man on board, Coach Aldeguer will have to rely on
natural small forward, Nathaniel Salanga and burly Raffy Ynion to take care of the
shaded area on both ends. Coach Aldeguer will have to focus his point of attack from
the perimeter and on occasion, if situations would permit, the Altas can draw out the
opposing team’s big man then use their natural abilities to take advantage. With their
lack of ceiling, expect the Altas to rebound the basketball by committee and Coach
Aldeguer to preach transition defense.
Prognosis
Even with his credentials, without much talent, Coach Aldeguer will have to whip-
in his creative juices to keep the Altas on course in every quarter, in every situation of
every game for them to win, and it will be a struggle. ―I have some recruits in the
pipeline and are now undergoing residency but that will be for next season‖, said Coach
Aldeguer. This Season 85, learning will be a plus, but winning will be another huge
minus for the Altas this year.

FINAL FOUR PLAY-OFFS
THE GAME OF MY LIFE:

The NCAA Tightrope
By: Bill Velasco
October 17, 2009
The road to the top of the NCAA narrowed greatly going into yesterday’s Final Four, and
how. Though the top four teams were practically determined towards the end of the first
round, it has been an eventful run for most of the teams involved in the hunt for both the
Final Four and the wild card slot in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League
(PCCL).
Initially, San Sebastian romped off with a sweep of the first round, beating even three-
time champion San Beda. The Stags, under new head coach Ato Agustin, were playing
fluidly, behind a solid defense, inspired play by its rookies, and the consistent scoring of
guard Jimbo Aquino. However, after going more than three months and losing only a
terribly physical contest against fourth-running Letran Knights, the Stags have started to
fall apart.
Monday, the Stags faced the Red Lions in their final regular season match. Both teams
played a tight defensive game, San Beda playing the passing lanes very well, with the
bigger Rome dela Rosa containing Aquino. San Sebastian, meanwhile, made it difficult
for San Beda to turn to their transition game, at least for a while. The Stags played
minus power forward Gilbert Bulawan, who was thrown out of their previous game for
entering the playing court. Calvin Abueva more than made up for the vacuum by
yanking down 15 rebounds, though our TV stats man said he had at least 21.
In the end, though, the mental toughness of the Stags was tested a nd found wanting.
San Beda handed them only their second defeat in 18 games, and pulled them into a tie
for first. The tie had to be broken to determine who would be number one and face a
depleted Letran side, and who would be number two and meet JRU. But both San Beda
and San Sebastian would carry a twice-to-beat advantage going into the next round.
Wednesday, they went at it again. It took two and half minutes for San Sebastian to
score, and almost twice as long for San Beda to get a bucket. The first quarter ended
with each team scoring only six points. San Beda, though was straining to run, and
eventually did. San Sebastian struggled to score. At halftime, the Stags’ confidence
started to wane.
In the third quarter, Aquino (who averaged 20.9 points per game going into their
matches) was whistled for what seemed to be a punch to the ribs of San Beda’s Jake
Pascual. Aquino was suspended from yesterday’s game, and dashed his chances of
being named tournament MVP. Without their leading scorer and veteran, San Sebastian

looked for more leaders, and found them in the young forward tandem of Ronald
Pascual and Abueva. But after closing the gap to one, they ran out of miracles.
Now, in the Final Four, the Red Lions are smacking their lips at the prospect of a
physical but undersized and undermanned Letran squad that has not beaten them in
their last four attempts. The Knights lost Rey Guevarra (15.7 points per game) to an
ACL injury in their second-round meeting with San Beda. Guevarra adds a greater
dimension to the Knights offense, with his ability to slash to the hoop and hit the three-
pointer. In one game, Guevarra scored 27 points, RJ Jazul scored 27, and the rest of
the team accounted for 26. That’s a lot to make up for.
San Beda has been able to live off its size and experience. The guards have not been
consistent, but the bigs have saved the day quite often, more so in the second round.
The combinations of Sudan Daniel, Pascual and Bam Gamalinda have proven a
defensive nightmare for other teams, and they have hardly felt the loss of JayR
Taganas. San Beda’s fate, though, seems anchored on its veteran point guard, Borgie
Hermida, who has finally recovered from recurring leg injuries. When Hermida plays
well, the Red Lions win.
In the other match-up, the big question is the fragile state of mind of San Sebastian. The
Golden Stags, prior to yesterday’s games, lost back-to-back games this week, for the
first time this season. With less than 48 hours to prepare against a rested Jose Rizal
team at full strength, how would they do? Jose Rizal University is led by the other MVP
contender, John Wilson, who has been on a scoring and rebounding tear. Wilson has
only had one bad game this season, the only time he scored in single digits. JRU, last
year’s runner-up, is aching to get back into the finals, and will accept nothing less. They
can run, have the size at every position, and now have a healthy Joe Etame, the 6’8‖
rookie countryman of John Nchotu Njei. He adds another dimension to their play,
allowing outgoing center James Sena the luxury of playing power forward.
The road narrows even more.
NCAA Final Four clash begins today

October 16, 2009
By: NCAA Press Release
Lifted from: ncaa.org
Three-peat titlist San Beda and San Sebastian bring everything on the table against
different foes as they aim to forge an interesting showdown for the 85th NCAA men’s
basketball title at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Lions, who edged the Stags twice, 71-67, in their last elimination round game
Monday and 71-65, in the rubber match for the top seeding Wednesday, face off with
the Rey Guevarra-less Letran Knights, the No. 4 seeds, at 2 p.m. needing just a victory
to advance to the best-of-three championship for the fourth straight season.

The Jimbo Aquino-less Stags, who flirted with a historic sweep after zooming to a 15-0
(win-loss) start before dropping three of their last four outings to skid to No. 2, for their
part, square off with No. 3 the Jose Rizal Bombers, last year’s runners up, in the other
Final Four duel at 4 p.m.
Aquino, the league’s second leading scorer with an average of 20.3 points a game, will
serve out his one-game suspension today for a disqualifying foul he incurred for
punching San Beda’s Jake Pascual in their third quarter of their painful loss at the
hands of the Lions.
The Knights would be without the talented Guevarra, a Smart Gilas Pilipinas veteran
who tore his left ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in their game against the Lions two
weeks ago that put an end to what has been a colourful collegiate career.
Letran might also see action with promising rookie Kevin Alas, who sprained an ankle in
practice a few days back and listed as day-to-day, as doubtful starter.
And though they would be without banger Jay-R Taganas, who is resting after banging
the back of his head on the floor after a bad fall a month ago, the red-hot Lions should
be the heavy favourites against the hurting Knights because they would not only bring
championship experience on the table but also the momentum of their recent victories
over the Stags.
San Beda coach Frankie Lim, however, was quick to downplay their chances saying
Letran always plays tougher when they play them.
―We have nothing to be confident about because Letran always play their best against
us and they play tougher in a game this big so we have to be ready,‖ said Lim, who has
finished on top after the double-round elimination since he took over from Koy Banal
three seasons back.
Letran mentor Louie Alas said beating San Beda twice would be like climbing two
mountains. ―It will be a tall older, we’re 0-4 against them the past two seasons mainly
because of their superior line-up and good coaching but law of averages will be on our
side plus the burning desire of my players to go to the level minus Rey Guevarra,‖ said
Alas.
―But for sure, it would be tough beating, like climbing a mountain two times,‖ he added.
In juniors’ action, No. 1 San Beda and No. 2 Letran likewise try to arrange their own title
series as the two hope to finish off No. 3 San Sebastian, the reigning four-peat titlist,
and No. 4 Jose Rizal, respectively.
Although seeded lower, Jose Rizal should have the slight edge against San Sebastian
thanks to the absence of Aquino and the emergence of 6’7‖ Cameroonian rookie Joe
Etame.

Jose Rizal mentor Ariel Vanguardia refused to believe this though.
―The Stags are the only team we have yet to beat this season. We are thankful that
we’ve been given this opportunity to redeem ourselves. It’s going to be a battle, we
should have all cylinders firing,‖ he said.
Lim’s wariness against Letran could be attributed to what happened to San Beda in the
Final Four last year.
As the No. 1 seed, the Lions dropped their first match against the gritty Mapua
Cardinals, 51-53, and then had some anxious moments in the deciding match before
prevailing, 60-53, to join the Bombers in the finals where they went on to complete the
three-peat feat.
―We have to stay focus and execute well, we can’t afford to be complacent,‖ said Lim.
NCAA Season 85 Final Four Preview

By: Mike Abasolo
This has been the longest NCAA Season ever. The pretenders have been finally sifted
out and all that remains are 4 worthy teams that are hopefully ready to make their push
into the post season.
The San Beda Red Lions vs. The Letran Knights
Letran had the distinction of being the first team in the league to hand over San
Sebastian’s first ever defeat in the elimination round. But can they pull off another tour
de force against the heavily favored San Beda? Coach Louie Alas has seen and been
in this situation countless times, I’m sure he’ll think of some gimmicks to slow down the
rampaging Red Lions in their quest for a 4th straight finals appearance.
With the loss of Rey Guevarra (averaging 15.7 points per game) to an ACL injury that
he suffered during their 2nd round encounter against the Red Lions, Coach Louie Alas
will have to find a way to maximize his line up especially on the defensive end.
Letran’s leading scorer, RJ Jazul (avereging 17 points per game), rather than come off
the bench, would have ride the starting line up once again. Hopefully up for the
challenge is rookie Kevin Alas, who would probably start at the point guard position to
give the Knights another scorer in the backcourt. Kristoffer Alas, Jam Cortes and
Jaypee Belencion would have to step up to fill up the void left by their injured colleague
and this include veterans Reymar Gutilban and John Foronda, each and everyone of
them must do their share to stop the bleeding if the y want to make a dent in San Beda’s
4th straight title hopes.

The Red Lions however are coming off a back to back encounter (for that twice to beat
berth and 1st place in the standings) with then league leader, San Sebastian and San
Beda might be under the weather at some point but Coach Frankie Lim’s team has
remained positive and resilient all throughout the series, so little doubt remains if the
Red Lions would falter now that the 4th trip to the finals is knocking at the front door.
With Jay-R Taganas temporarily out of the line up, their recent experience against the
Golden Stags has somehow led Coach Frankie Lim to discover other options and
tweaks to his current line up, and this will be very useful if the Red Lions would want to
end this series as soon as possible.
Borgie Hermida, Garvo Lanete, Bam Gamalinda, Jake Pascual, and Dave Marcelo will
perhaps form the core of Coach Lim’s starting five. Sudan Daniel, impact player Rome
de la Rosa, reliable back up playmaker, Anjo Caram, and JR Tecson form the most
lethal bench in the league.
My take: San Beda will go to the finals for the 4th straight time.
The San Sebastian Golden Stags vs. the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers
San Sebastian has won both elimination round encounters but had lost three games
deep in the 2nd round that led many to believe that the Golden Stags have peaked too
soon. JRU, however, have cooled down a little bit in that 2nd round loss to San
Sebastian, so this will be an interesting rematch as soon as this series takes off.
With the probable suspension of Jimbo Aquino in Game 1 due to his altercation during a
playoff game with San Beda, the Golden Stags will be without their leading scorer, MVP
candidate and team leader when they face a solid line up such as the Heavy Bombers.
Coach Ato Agustin has found an unlikely soldier willing to carry the torch in times of
chaos is Calvin Abueva. Abueva proved to be a menace in both games against the Red
Lions, with a 12 rebound average on both occasions to complement his hustle on both
ends of the floor.
Ian Sangalang, Gilbert Bulawan, Dave Najorda and Ronald Pascual are one of the most
skillful forwards in the league. They are versatile and cunning, a luxury that Coach
Agustin has in his arsenal.
The Golden Stags frontline will be complimented by a dangerous backcourt crew of

Pamboy Raymundo, Raymond Maconocido, Jonathan Semira, and Anthony del Rio
majority of whom has the outside touch to clear the floor for their frontline to operate.
Earlier in the season, I have predicted that JRU will capture the Season 85 trophy. My
basis was a healthy Etame Joe and the Season 84 version of James Sena surrounded
by a solid corps of veterans and rookies. So far, we have seen remnants of the Season

84 version of the Heavy Bombers in some parts in high gear with Joe finally seeing
extensive action against San Sebastian in the 2nd round.
Leading MVP candidate John Wilson, Marc Cagoco, Nchotu Njei and Marvin Hayes
have to bring their A-game if they want to make up for their faux pas against the Golden
Stags. The rising contribution of John Agas and John Lopez will surely help the Heavy
Bombers’ cause if they want to match the depth and energy of the Golden Stags.
My Take: San Sebastian in 2.
San Beda Red Lions – Letran Knights Series
October 16, 2009

The Arena, San Juan City
Final Score:
San Beda Red Lions 82–76 Letran Knights
San Beda Red Lions enter the finals
Lions back in finals; Bombers stay alive

By: Jasmin W. Payo
October 17, 2009
The San Beda Red Lions gathered in a circle near

center court and put their arms on each other’s
shoulder.
Their celebration after booking a return trip to the

finals for the fourth straight year was subdued.
They were reserving their energy for the bigger
task ahead.
―We have an invitation party to attend to, to strike

a fourth straight championship,‖ said San Beda
coach Frankie Lim after the Lions weathered a late
charge by Letran for an 82-76 decision on Friday
in the semifinals of the NCAA basketball
tournament at the FilOil Flyi ng V Arena in San
Juan.
The Lions’ title opponents won’t be known until

Monday, however, as last year’s losing finalist Jose Rizal U forced a sudden-death
match against second seed San Sebastian with a 72-65 victory.

Cameroonian forward Nchotu Njei and Marvin Hayes made key baskets in the stretch to
help the Bombers stay on course of ending a 37-year title drought.
―We’re very good when the spotlight is not on us,‖ said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.
Playing their third game in five days, the Lions struggled at the start before unleashing a
strong finishing kick orchestrated by Borgie Hermida.
Hermida set up rookie Rome Dela Rosa for eight quick points early in the fourth period
as the Lions roared ahead for good, 72-64, going into the last five minutes.
Recruited from California, the son of former PBA player Romeo Dela Rosa scored 12 of
his 17 points in the final canto.
Letran rookie Kevin Alas hit 14 of his career-high 24 markers in the fourth period to
move the Knights within 74-77.
The Knights stayed three points behind on Kirk Del Rosario’s layup with 58 seconds left,
before Letran’s guns fell silent with Alas missing a potential game-tying triple with 15
seconds left.
The best of three finals will start on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Cubs earlier put San Beda on track for a title double with a 90-76 win over the
Jose Rizal Light Bombers.
Waiting for the Red Cubs in the best-of-three finals are the Letran Squires, who
trounced the Staglets, 89-84, in the other Final Four showdown.
First Game
SAN BEDA 82—Dela Rosa 17, Lanete 17, Daniel 16, P ascual 12, Gamalinda 9, Marcelo 4, Tecson 3,
Hermida 2, Caram 2, Tirona 0.
LETRA N 76—Ke. Alas 24, Jazul 15, Gutilban 15, Cortes 8, Foronda 5, Kr. Alas 5, del Rosario 4,
Belencion 0, Datang 0.
Quarters: 18-19, 32-35, 58-53, 82-76
Second Game
JRU 72—Njei 15, Hayes 15, Sena 10, Cagoco 10, Wilson 6, Bulangis 6, Agas 5, Lopez 4, Etame 1.
SSC 65—Pascual 23, Abueva 13, del Rio 10, Semira 8, Najorda 6, Gatchalian 3, B ulawan 2, Sangalang
0.
Quarters: 15-15, 30-28, 46-45, 72-65

Rookie powers Lions to 4th straight finals
October 16, 2009
Lifted from: abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA -- Like father, like son.
Prized rookie Rome dela Rosa showed exactly the same toughness and grit his father,
former PBA star Romeo, possessed and helped power reigning titlist San Beda to a
fourth straight finals stint with an 82-76 win over Letran Friday in the Final Four NCAA
Season 85 at The Arena in San Juan City.
De la Rosa, who was plucked out of his home in San Diego, California to suit up for the
Mendiola-based school, machine-gunned his way to 12 of his 17 points in the fourth
quarter and helped put the shackles on Letran skipper RJ Jazul in the second half to
power the Lions to the best-of-three championship scheduled to start on Thursday at
the Big Dome.
De la Rosa shone the brightest in the final canto when he spewed 8 points in a 10-0
blitz midway in the period to give San Beda a 70-61 cushion.
The lead proved enough to weather the final storm whipped up by an all too determined
Letran, who missed the services of Smart Gilas veteran Rey Guevarra due to torn left
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Most importantly, the stubborn De la Rosa shut down Letran skipper RJ Jazul in the
final period after scoring 12 in the first half. Jazul, a Smart Gilas standout like Guevarra,
finished 15 points in his last game as a Knight.
―He (dela Rosa) played great, we’re glad we recruited him,‖ said San Beda coach
Frankie Lim, who steered the school to the last two of its three-peat feat.
The win thus sent the Lions to their fourth straight appearance in the finals where they
would be gunning for their first ever four-peat feat and 15th title overall, which would be
second only to the Knights’ league best 16 championships.
Garvo Lanete also waxed hot with 17 points he spiked with 7 assists, while American
rookie Sudan Daniel had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Jake Pascual scored 12
points and 7 caroms to help send the Lions to their fourth straight stint in the best -of-
three finals starting Thursday at the Big Dome.
―We’re happy we have another invitation to the finals. It’s an invitation we couldn’t miss,‖
said Lim, who was responsible for the last two of the Mendiola-based school’s three-
peat feat.

Letran freshman Kevin Alas bucked a sprained right ankle and fired his season high 24
points to help fill the big void left by Guevarra, who tore his left ACL in their final
elimination round game also against San Beda two weeks back.
Down 61-70 with less than 8 minutes to go, Alas breathed fire after fire as he drained
eight of his 14 fourth quarter points in a 15-9 exchange that saw the Knights closing the
gap, 76-79, with a little less than a minute remaining.
The Knights had a chance to knot the count, but Alas muffed a long trey, allowing San
Beda to wrap things up courtesy of three free throws by Borgie Hermida, who starred in
his team’s two wins over the Stags.
Letran mentor Louie Alas said they tried everything to extend the series to one more
game, but just couldn’t capitalize on opportunities.
―I’m satisfied with the way we played despite the fact that we’re playing without Rey
(Guevarra). We tried our best but I guess it wasn’t enough, but I’m proud of my boys,‖
said Alas.joy a twice-to-beat bonus, were playing against the third-ranked Bombers, as
of posting time.
Should San Sebastian win, they will automatically face the four-peat seeking San Beda.
A Jose Rizal win on Friday, however, would force a do-or-die match with San Sebastian
for the Finals slot.
San Sebastian Golden Stags – JRU Heavy Bombers Series
The Arena, San Juan City
Final Score:
(October 16, 2009)
San Sebastian Golden Stags 65–72 JRU Heavy Bombers
(October 20, 2009)
San Sebastian Golden Stags 79–64 JRU Heavy Bombers
NCAA semis: JRU pushes San Sebastian on the brink

October 16, 2009
Lifted from: GMANews.tv
Last year’s losing finalist Jose Rizal University handed San Sebastian College its third
straight loss pulling off a 72-65 conquest in their own Final Four showdown Friday at the
FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
It was JRU’s third consecutive win after an 84-78 loss to coach Ato Agustin’s SSC crew
in the second round of elimination last October 7.

Marvin Hayes paced the Heavy Bombers, who will once again face the Golden Stags in
Monday’s winner-take-all match, with 15 points to go with his five rebounds and two
blocks.
Heavy Bombers extend F4 series with a win over the Golden Stags
October 16, 2009
With Jimbo Aquino serving his one game suspension

acquired during their playoff game against San Beda,
the JRU Heavy Bombers, exploited his absence with a
72-65 win in their Final Four match to extend the
series to a winner-take-all encounter on Oct 19,2009
at 3:30pm.
The winner will face NCAA defending champions, San

Beda College, who already booked their seat for the
finals, to be held at the Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 22,
2009.
James Sena was waxing hot in the 2nd half producing
6 straight points, for a 34-28 lead with a minute gone
by in the 3rd quarter.
―It helped that he [Aquino] wasn’t in today’s game. It

somehow gave us a slim advantage. Our zone
defense wouldn’t have worked well for us if Jimbo
[Aquino] played. We really had to gamble on the
zone‖, said JRU Head Coach Ariel Vanguardia referring to the absence of Aquino in
their 1st Final Four game against the Golden Stags.
―We have to neutralize the return of Jimbo come Oct. 19. For today, Nchotu [Njei] really
worked hard. He’s an outspoken leader that binds the team together. He can get all the
rookies and veterans together and it’s a blessing that his first three-point shot this year
came during a crucial game where our future is at stake‖, added Coach Vanguardia.
Aquino, who is playing his final year with the Golden Stags, is serving his 1-game
suspension via a disqualifying foul slapped on him last Oct 14 after a punching incident
on San Beda’s Jake Pascual.
Nchotu Njei hit an unexpected 3-pointer under the 2 minute mark in the 4th period for a
66-59 cushion going into the final moments of the ball game.
―We had the chance to beat San Sebastian[in the elimination round] but it just wasn’t
our time yet but this win over the Stags came when we needed it the most. Though they
didn’t have a complete lineup, we’re still satisfied with the way we played and we’re out

to duplicate it this Monday. It’s gonna be war on Monday especially with the return of
their main man Aquino back in the line up‖, Coach Vanguardia continued.
Nchotu Njei led the JRU with 15 points including that crucial 3 -point shot and 7
rebounds. Marvin Hayes added 15 points and 5 rebounds. Rookie Ronald Pascual
came out with a season-best 23 points and 8 rebounds while Calvin Abueva added 13
points and 13 rebonds for the Golden Stags. San Sebastian shot a measly 29% from
the field compared to JRU’s 40%. But the Heavy Bombers shot only 23% from the 3-
point area against the Golden Stags’ 32%.
BOX SCORES:
JRU 72 – Njei 15, Hayes 15, Cagoco 10, Sena 10, Wilson 6, Bulangis 6, Agas 5, Lopez 4, Etame 1,
Matute 0.
SAN SEBASTIA N 65 – Pascual 23, Abueva 13, Del Rio 10, Semira 8, Najorda 6, Gatchalian 3, Bulawan
2, Raymundo 0, Sangalang 0.
QUA RTER SCORES: 15-15, 30-28, 46-45, 72-65.
Stags pound Bombers, face Lions in final

By: Joey Villar
October 20, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian

drew inspiration from the return of Jimbo Aquino
as it blasted Jose Rizal, 79-64, in their knockout
match for the right to face San Beda in the NCAA
men’s basketball finals at The Arena in San Juan
City yesterday.
Aquino, who served out a one game suspension
when Stags dropped a 65-72 setback to the
Bombers in their Final Four match last Friday,
pumped in 14 points and provided the team the
leadership throughout the contest which the Stags
dominated from the start.
―We lost a leader last time,‖ said San Sebastian

coach Ato Agustin. ―Now that he (Aquino) is back,
the boys played inspired game.‖
Calvin Abueva came through with 18 points to likewise help the Stags roll into the best-
of-three finals for the first time since 2003.
―We’re glad to be in the finals. Everyone is excited because this is the first time we’re all
going there,‖ said Agustin.

The Stags, behind Aquino, Abueva and Ian Sangalang, jumped the gun early on the
erratic Bombers, racing to a 29-8 bulge in the first quarter before settling for a 44-28
lead at the turn.
The Bombers made one big run midway in the third and moved within eight, 38-46,
behind Cameroon’s Nchotu Njei. But the Stags countered with a 12-1 run, sparked by a
six-point swing by the high-leaping Abueva, and were never threatened from there.
Game One of the finals is set Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.
The San Beda-San Sebastian finale marks the first time that the Lions and the Stags
will meet for the crown in 12 years with San Sebastian, then led by Romel Adducul,
winning in 1996 and 1997 seasons.
THE FINALS: RED LIONS VS GOLDEN STAGS
Commence „O‟ Festivale: My NCAA Season 85

Finals Preview
By: Mike Abasolo
Finally, after a long, long, long season with ten teams in this
year’s roster, we have arrived at the most anticipated match
up in the NCAA – the San Beda Red Lions vs. the San
Sebastian Golden Stags.
San Beda will be gunning for its 4th straight NCAA title, a
feat never before achieved as an institution since being an NCAA founding member in
1924. San Sebastian, however, will attempt another title run since their back to back
conquest in 2001 and 2002.
Both teams have met so many times this season to gather enough scouting data on
how to cover each others’ strengths and weaknesses. It will all boil down to execution,
match ups, and defense. Whichever team can prevent the other from executing their
game plan, will win this series.
Let’s look at each teams’ starting unit. For San Beda, you have Borgie Hermida, Garvo
Lanete, Rome de la Rosa, Jake Pascual, Dave Marcelo. For San Sebastian, you got
Pamboy Raymundo, Jimbo Aquino, Ian Sangalang, Gilbert Bulawan and Calvin Abueva.
In the last two games they had, the missing link in the Golden Stags was leading scorer
and absolute leader, Jimbo Aquino. Rome de la Rosa has been assigned to single
cover San Sebastian’s go-to-guy and so far San Beda has been successful in making
Aquino earn every attempt. Aquino was reduced to a 7-point marquee producer, a far
cry from his league average of 19-points per game. ―I’ll be back‖, said a confident
Aquino.

The spark plug in San Sebastian’s offense has been the energy and hustle of Calvin
Abueva. In both encounters, Abueva has averaged 14 points and 12 rebounds with
only 8 rebounds in their playoff duel for 1st place.
The transition attack has always been the primary staple for the Red Lions – 16
fastbreak points in their 2nd game. San Sebastian must be quick in their transition
defense or risk being overwhelmed by the Red Lions stampede.
San Sebastian has a very talented unit but has yet to prove itself in a bigger stage
under rookie coach. ―We have made our adjustments, we will just surprise them‖, said
San Sebastian Head Coach Ato Agustin.
San Beda on the other hand, has some pieces of its previous title run in the line up but
has changed its starting unit due to new additions like Sudan Daniel and De la Rosa
and breakout performances from Lanete. The missing link during the season but had an
exemplary performance against the Golden Stags is Borgie Hermida who contributed an
average of 15 points on both encounters. For Coach Frankie Lim, this season has been
so far the most challenging, despite the roadblocks, he has seized the moment.
My Take: San Beda will win its 4th Straight Title in 3 games.
Lions experience vital factor in duel vs Stags

By: Joey Villar
October 21, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - San Beda will rely on its championship experience as it goes for
a fourth straight NCAA men’s basketball crown against San Sebastian beginning
tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
―Yes, it (experience) will be an important factor,‖ said San Beda coach Frankie Lim in
yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s in UN Ave., Manila.
With the exception of a couple of rookies, the bulk of the players on Lim’s rotation this
season are members of the squad that completed a three-peat against Jose Rizal U.
In contrast, San Sebastian’s team, including rookie coach Ato Agustin, has no
championship experience to speak of since the school’s last finals appearance was six
years ago and its last championship coming seven seasons back.
Lim, however, said anything can happen in a championship game.
―In this kind of a series, anything can happen because it will all depend on how you
would perform on the court come game time,‖ he said.

Meanwhile, the 2009 NCAA cheerleading competition will be held today at The Arena in
San Juan City with 10 teams, headed by defending champion Jose Rizal and reigning
national titlist Perpetual Help, battling it out for top honors.
The champion team will receive P90,000 while the second and third placers will get
P55,000 and P45,000, respectively, courtesy of Samsung.
Jose Rizal, which pulled off a stunner last season, is again tipped to contend for the
crown as well as Perpetual Help, a former three-peat champion, and Mapua, which
reigned supreme in the inaugural staging six years ago.
Also fancied is the Perps Squad, which not only topped the NCC finals last year but the
cheerleading competition early this year where they bested last year’s UAAP titlist
University of the Phils. and reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern U.
San Beda consultant Ed Cordero, who accompanied Lim to the weekly forum, said the
pair of playoffs the Stags had gone thro ugh – including a loss to San Beda and a win
over Jose Rizal – should be enough experience to toughen them up for the finals.
Lions‟ experience vs Stags‟ solid roster

By: Cedelf Tupas
October 20, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - It's San Beda's championship experience against San

Sebastian’s deep and talented roster.
That’s how Red Lions coach Frankie Lim sees the best-of-three finals for the 85th
NCAA basketball crown starting Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
―It will be a very interesting series,‖ Lim said at the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN
Avenue Branch in Manila.
―They have a deep bench. But we have the championship experience, so that gives us
a slim advantage.‖
San Beda standouts Borgie Hermida, Bam Gamalinda, JR Taganas, Jake Pascual,
Garvo Lanete, Dave Marcelo and Chico Tirona have played at one point in the Lions’
title run the past three years, while the Stags are literally greenhorns at this stage.
Even the Stags’ main man, Jimbo Aquino, who is on his fifth and last pla ying year, had
never come close to a title.
―They have so many talented players,‖ said Lim of the Stags, who boast blue-chip
rookies Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang.

The Red Lions are shooting for their fourth consecutive crown and their third straight
under Lim. San Beda owns 14 men’s basketball titles, just two shy of Letran’s record
collection.
The Stags, who went on a record-setting run of 15 straight victories, are gunning for
their first title since winning back-to-back from 2002 and their 12th in school history. It
will be San Sebastian’s first trip to the finals since 2003.
The protagonists played three times during the regular season with the Lions winning
twice, including the playoff for the No. 1 spot last week.
San Sebastian and San Beda last figured in a championship series in 1997 with the
Stags grabbing the last of their five straight championships.
―We respect their 15-game streak,‖ Lim said. ―But we beat them twice last week, so they
also have to respect us.‖
Game 1 is set Thursday and Game 2 on Saturday.
―It’s a very tricky series,‖ San Beda consultant Ed Cordero, who joined Lim at the forum,
said. ―And a lot of it hinges on the first game.‖
Lions eye 4-peat in title duel vs Stags

By: Joey Villar
October 22, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - San Beda and San Sebastian clash today at the start of their
showdown for the NCAA men’s basketball crown at the Araneta Coliseum with the
three-peat champion Red Lions hoping to extend their reign and the Stags out to snap a
six-year title drought.
Odds are just about even between these two teams, whose offensive and
defensive clouts are about the same, which could lead to a thriller of a title series.
―It’s going to be a tough series with a lot of great match-ups, it’s basically a pretty even
series considering that we have great players and they have theirs,‖ said San Beda
coach Frankie Lim as the Lions go for a four-peat.
The top-seeded Lions needed just one game to trounce the Letran Knights in the Final
Four for their fourth straight finals appearance.
In contrast, the Stags, who swept their first 15 games in the elims, had to go through a
wringer to get into the finals, outlasting the Jose Rizal U Bombers in sudden death to
arrange a best-of-three series with the Lions for the first time in 12 years.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.
San Sebastian swept its last two championship tiffs with San Beda in 1996 and 1997 to
complete the Stags’ amazing five-peat feat.
―We expect a great and exciting series, it’s going to be war,‖ said San Sebastian mentor
Ato Agustin, trying to deliver the crown on his rookie season.
Meanwhile, San Beda guns for its first junior crown in four years as it clashes with
Letran in their own best-of-three playoff.
The Red Cubs are out to give their multi-titled coach Ato Badolato a fitting farewell with
the seasoned mentor who steered the Cubs to 15 of their 16 titles, giving up his post to
concentrate on his job as athletic director of the school next year.
―It’s my last season, I hope we’ll win it,‖ said Badolato.
The Red Lions are shooting for their 15th crown overall as they try to inch closer to
Letran, which owns a league-best 16 titles.
The Lions are also gunning for their first four-peat feat. They blew their chance for a
fourth title in row after ruling the championship from 1934-37.
San Sebastian, back in the finals after failing to make it that far the last five seasons, is
looking for its first title since it went all the way six years ago for its 12th overall
championship.
―We’re focusing on winning Game One and for us to achieve it we need to stay focused
and sharp,‖ said Lim.
San Beda has a 2-1 record against San Sebastian this season, losing their first
encounter, 77-83, last July 1, before sweeping the next two, 71-67, and 71-65, to clinch
the top seeding.
In both games, the Lions shackled SSC top gunner Jimbo Aquino, the league’s second
leading scorer with an average of 20 points.

GAME 1
October 22, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
San Sebastian Stags, San Beda Red Lions clash in Finals Game 1
October 22, 2009
Lifted from ncaa.org.ph
San Beda and San Sebastian clash today in Game One of their best-of-three showdown
for the 85th NCAA men’s basketball crown at the Araneta Coliseum with the Red Lions
seeking to complete a four-peat feat and the Stags eyeing to end a seven-year title
drought.
The interesting best-of-three title series, set at 4 p.m., marks the first time in 12 seasons
that the Lions and the Stags are facing off in the finals.
San Sebastian won its last two championship meetings with San Beda in 1996 and
1997 to complete an amazing five-peat feat.
This season, odds should just be pretty even with one school out to extend its dynastic
reign to another year and the other to seeking a date with destiny.
―It’s going to be a tough series with a lot of great matchups, it’s basically a pretty-even
series considering that we have great players and they have theirs,‖ said San Beda
coach Frankie Lim, whose Lions needed just a game to trounce the Rey Guevarra-less
Letran Knights and clinch their fourth straight finals appearance.
―We expect a great and exciting series, it’s going to be war,‖ said San Sebastian mentor
Ato Agustin, who wants to become one of the few coaches who steered their school to
the crown on their rookie season.
Meanwhile, San Beda guns for its first title in four years as it clashes with Letran in their
own best-of-three series for the junior title.
The Red Cubs are out to give their multi-titled coach, Ato Badolato, a fitting farewell gift
and a championship.
Badolato has steered the Cubs to 15 of their 16 titles since he assumed the coaching
chores a little over three decades ago and this year should be his last since he
intimated early this season he wants to co ncentrate on his job as San Beda athletic
director.
―It’s my last season, I hope we’ll win it,‖ said Badolato.

While the Lions had an easier time to advance to the finals, the Stags virtually had to
thread through the proverbial eye of the needle as they needed an extra Final Four
game to turn back the Jose Rizal Bombers, last year’s losing finalists who will have to
wait maybe another year to end a 37-year title drought.
Tied with Ateneo—now with the other league—with 14 titles each, San Beda, the
reigning three-peat champion, is shooting for its 15th crown overall as it tries to inch
closer to Letran, which owns a league-best 16 titles.
The Lions would also be gunning for their first four-peat feat since it come close to
achieving that goal when they snared three straights titles from 1934-37 only to lose the
next season.
The other teams that did the trick were Ateneo (1931-34), Letran (1982-84) and San
Sebastian, which reigned supreme three straight years from 1993-96 before snatching
two more the next two years to cop a rare five-peat feat.
San Sebastian, back in the finals after failing to make it that far the last five seasons, for
its part, are aiming to haul its first title since it went all the way six years back and 12th
overall.
―We’re focusing on winning Game One and for us to achieve it we need to stay focused
and sharp form start to finish,‖ said Lim.
It’s also interesting to note that the Stags won their first duel with the Lions this year, 83-
77, last July 1 as part of a league record 15-0 (win-loss) rampage.
San Beda evened things up in the second round with a 71-67 win last Oct. 12 to forge a
playoff for the No. 1 seeding two days later that it also won, 71-65.
In both games, the Lions managed to put the cuffs on Jimbo Aquino, the league’s
second leading scorer with an average of 20 points a game.
Lim knows the sweet-shooting Aquino should give them problems.
―We’re wary of him (Aquino), he gives us big problems.
Stags tame Lions, snatch Game 1 in double OT

October 23, 2009
Lifted from: ncaa.org.ph
San Sebastian leaned on the pair of clutch efforts by skipper Jimbo Aquino and rookie
Calvin Abueva as it stunned reigning three-peat titlist San Beda, 72-68, in double
overtime yesterday to move on the crest of snaring its first title in seven years in the
85th NCAA basketball tournament at the Big Dome.

Aquino, who was held to single-digit efforts in their
last two losses to the Lions, spewed 24 points
including four in the second OT while Abueva had
10 points he spiked with a season-high 23
rebounds, five blocks and three assists to send the
Stags to win closer from clinching their first title in
seven seasons and 12th overall.
―We stopped their running game, that was the

biggest key,‖ said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin.
The Stags could finish it off tomorrow while the

Lions hope to bounce back big and force a deciding
Game Three on Thursday.
It looked like though the Lions are going to take this

one when they fought their way back from a 12-point
deficit in the first half and an 45-53 disadvantage
early in the fourth quarter.
But San Beda used its defense as an anchor and shut

down San Sebastian the rest of the regulation while
neophyte Rome dela Rosa capped an 8-0 blitz with a
long jumper to knot the count at 53-all and force the
first extra time.
Bam Bam Gamalinda then nailed a pair of booming

triples in the second OT as the Lions surged ahead to
a 60-57 lead only to see it vanish as Abueva and
fellow greenhorn Ian Sangalang combined for five
free throws to give the Stags a 62-60 edge with 20
seconds to go.
Again, San Beda hung tough as Borgie Hermida

found himself in no man’s land and squeezed his way
to the basket for a sneaky lay-up that tied the count
again while forcing the second extra time.
And then Aquino and Abueva came through in second OT by combining for all but one
second OT points to seal it for the Stags, who made their first finals appearance since
losing to the Letran Knights in a three -game finale five seasons back.
―What can I say, they’re just incredible,‖ said Agustin of Aquino and Abueva.
Earlier, San Beda jumped the gun on Letran as it hammered out a 98-75 victory
yesterday to inch closer to regaining the juniors’ title it last snared four seasons ago.

Baser Amer sizzled with 19 points he spiked with 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal
and one block while Dave Moralde, Arthur dela Cruz and Roldan Sara chipped in 18, 12
and 11 points, respectively, to power the Red Cubs to a 1-0 lead in their short best-of-
three series.
The triumph sent San Beda just a win away from snaring its 17th title overall, or a crown
closer to Mapua’s league-best 18.
San Beda mentor Ato Badolato said it was defense that did the trick.
―Our defense worked in the first half,‖ said Badolato, who is coaching his last season
since taking over 37 years ago and steering the Mendiola-based school to 15 titles.
The scores:
Juniors Results:
San B eda 98- Amer 19, Moralde 18, dela Cruz 12, Sara 11, Gotladera 7, Ludovice 7, Chavez 6, dela
Costa 6, Amin 5, Javier 4, Abatayo 2, Monteclaro 1, Lunas 0, Nay ve 0, Nazareno 0
Letran 75- Tampus 31, Khobuntin 15, Cruz 12, Cudal 9, Ongtec o 8, So 0, Inigo 0, Cabiga s0, Reyes 0,
Cabahug 0, Roxas 0
Quarterscores: 24-19; 54-32; 79-53; 98-75
Seniors Results:
San Sebastian 72- Aquino 24, Sangalang 14, Abueva 10, Raymundo 7, Semira 6, Bulawan 4,
Maconocido 3, Pascual 2, Najorda 2, del Rio 0, Gatchalian 0
San Beda 68- Lanete 11, Daniel 11, Hermida 11, Gamalinda 11, dela Rosa 8, Marcelo 8, Pascual 6,
Caram 2, Tecson 0, Tirona 0
Quarterscores: 21-16; 40-32; 47-40; 53-53 (OT); 62-62 (2nd OT); 72-68
GAME 2
October 24, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
Seek clincher vs Lions: Long wait over for Stags?

By Joey Villar
October 24, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian tries to put an end

to its seven-year title drought as it goes for a sweep over
San Beda in Game Two of the NCAA men’s basketball
finals at the Araneta Coliseum today.
The Stags brace for another grueling, highly physical

game with the Red Lions, whom they outlasted in two
extra periods, 72-68, in the opener of their best-of-three
series before over 14,000 fans at the Big Dome last
Thursday.
―We’re coming off a big win and we have high morale. We

just need to capitalize on this,‖ said San Sebastian coach

Ato Agustin, hoping to deliver the first championship for the school since 2002.
Gametime is at 4 p.m.
The Stags are expected to ride on the momentum of that hard-earned win in a game
where they showed tremendous poise and a big fighting heart against a team boasting
of rich championship experience.
Skipper Jimbo Aquino and rookie Calvin Abueva combined for 34 points in that big
Game One win with the duo, along with the brave bunch of Stags, raring for a repeat for
a dream title run that could cap an amazing season marked by a 15-game run in the
elims.
A victory by San Beda, however, will set the stage for a winner -take-all match on
Thursday, also at the Big Dome.
In juniors’ action, San Beda tries to wrap the crown as it tries to make it two in row
against Letran at 2 p.m.
With Baser Amer and Roland Sara on the firing end, the Cubs blasted the Squires, 98-
75, in the opener to move closer to their 17th title, or one behind the Mapua Red
Robins’ league best 18 crowns.
San Beda coach Ato Badolato, however, said they can’t take the Squires for granted.
―I expect them to adjust and bounce back strong in Game Two. So we have to be
ready,‖ said Badolato, eyeing to exit with a bang on his last year with the Cubs.
The Lions, on the otherhand, vowed to even things up and force a Game Three.
―We’re looking to bounce back tomorrow (today), try to extend the series and make
proper adjustments,‖ said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim.
He, however, stressed they need to shoot well and rebound more to stop the Stags.
In the series’ opener, San Sebastian forced San Beda to miss 64 of its 88 shots while
dominating the boards, 73-64.
The Stags actually muffed 68 of the 91 shots but made up for this by getting 32
offensive rebounds against the Lions’ 24.
―We intend to improve on our shooting because the bottom line was we missed many
easy shots in Game One. We also got beaten off the boards. We cannot allow them to
get 32 offensive rebounds,‖ said Lim. ―I personally thought we didn’t play well. Our
execution was not great, we didn’t make our shots but still they had to go to two
overtimes to beat us.

―We came back and we came back. Some of our guys were in foul trouble. It boils down
to making the important shots, which we didn’t deliver towards the end of t he game,‖ he
said.
Lim added the nice thing about their Game One defeat was that the Stags had a hard
time snaring the win despite the Lions’ below-par performance.
―If there’s something good about it, we didn’t play that well but they had a hard time
beating us,‖ he said. ―The morale is very high in practice, we’ll push this to Game Three,
we’ll come out strong tomorrow,‖ he said.
THE GAME OF MY LIFE

Cinderella packs a punch
By Bill Velasco
October 24, 2009
Game Two of the NCAA seniors basketball finals will be rough and physical. The San
Beda Red Lions, campaigning for a fourth straight championship, must win over the San
Sebastian Golden Stags to force a rubber match, or go home.
San Sebastian, the surprise of the tournament, continues to befuddle experts who
continually predict that they will wilt under the pressure of a new experience. They even
showed poise in a double-overtime win in Game One the other day.
The last time the Stags won the championship was in 2002, and the last time they made
the finals was in 2005. They have a rookie head coach, and play three rookies
substantial minutes. Experts didn’t really give them a second look at the start of the
season, even when they won their first couple of games. But when the y beat San Beda,
people started to sit up and take notice.
Even after the Stags tallied a league-record 15 straight victories, there were still doubts,
especially when they were beaten by an undersized Letran Knights squad. They were
soft, they weren’t ready, they were in over their heads. Well, sometimes, even the
experts can be wrong. This Cinderella packs a punch.
In Game One, both teams started off slow, San Beda had trouble getting its offense
going, and lost the ball nine times in the opening period.
San Sebastian was patient, but likewise had difficulty finding its range early. Once the
jitters started to wear off, they started to settle down. It was close throughout, with the
Stags towing the Red Lions.
The main target of the Stags was the guard corps of the Red Lions.

Agustin, in his day the shortest MVP of the PBA, placed special emphasis on the ball
carriers.
―The guards are crucial, I told my players to slow them down, and everything follows
from there,‖ said Agustin, who made his name when his San Miguel Beer teammates
Hector Calma and Franz Pumaren went down with injuries.
More importantly, it threw off San Beda’s timing in getting the ball into the paint. The
normally accurate jump shooting of forward Jake Pascual, for instance, became a
dismal two out of 14 from the floor. Rookie Rome dela Rosa, for his part, shot a low
three out of 13.
Neither player scored in double figures.
Even more telling was the havoc wreaked by San Sebastian inside the paint. The Red
Lions’ starting center Dave Marcelo spent much of regulation on the bench with foul
trouble. This was due to the consistent drive and draw tactics of the Stags, and their
efficient use of the outside shot as a decoy. Mythical Team member Sudan Daniel was
fronted or double-teamed in the low post, and finished with 11 points on three-of-seven
shooting. San Beda wanted no heroes in this game, meaning no player trying to do
everything himself. That wish came true, after a fashion.
Two players came up big for SSC-R. Jimbo Aquino, who was disqualified from MVP and
Mythical Team consideration for a flagrant foul against Pascual last week, showed great
restraint both emotionally and in shooting, firing a game-high 24 points despite shooting
only 24 percent from two-point range. Rookie Calvin Abueva, who made the Mythical
Team, yanked down a jaw-dropping 23 rebounds, along with five blocks.
―Even in practice, he’s like that,‖ Agustin added. ―He doesn’t take it easy. He keeps
jumping, keeps going, he never stops. I ask the other players if any of them can stop
him.‖
Also unbelievable was the fact that Agustin even played four rookies in the second
overtime period: Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual and 17-year old Eric
Gatchalian.
―I told the players to have fun,‖ Agustin recalls. ―It’s a game, don’t be nervous. Nobody
expected us to even be here.‖
―We remember the way they laughed at other teams when they would win, especially
last year, and the things they said that reached us,‖ the soft-spoken Sangalang, a 6’7‖
center revealed. ―That’s why we don’t want to lose to them.‖
But the Red Lions have a dynasty to protect, and they’re sharpening their fangs for
painful revenge in Game Two at the Big Dome today.

San Sebastian Stags dethrone Lions captures NCAA title
by: NCAA Press Release
October 25, 2009
Lifted from: ncaa.org.ph
San Sebastian shut down San Beda in the

fourth quarter as it carved out a masterful 76-
61 come-from-behind victory yesterday to
clinch its first title in seven years in the 85th
NCAA basketball tournament at the packed
Araneta Coliseum.
Jimbo Aquino spewed 15 of his 16 points in

the second half including 10 in the fourth
quarter before being taken out late in the game
after he hurt a knee but it was the defence of
the Stags in the fourth quarter that spelled the
difference.
Trailing almost all throughout the match, San

Sebastian toughened up its defence in the final
period by holding San Beda, champion the last
three seasons, to just five fouls shots and no
field goals that sealed the former its first title in
seven seasons and 12th overall, two behind its
recent victim.
It also marked the third straight time that the

Stags beat the Lions in the finals since the former beat the latter in the championship
series of 1996 and 1997.
The Stags were already celebrating as early as two minutes remaining in the game after
leading 69-58 and the Lions missing almost every shot they attempted from the field
and the foul line.
The Lions, consoled by legions of their red-clad fans including league president and
San Beda rector Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, were on the other side, some stunned while
most of them crying for their failure to win the school their first ever four-peat feat.
―I’m happy we won on my first year,‖ said Ato Agustin, who duplicated the feat
accomplished by San Beda mentor Frankie Lim when he steered the Lions to the 2007
title on his rookie season.

Aquino, who spewed
24 points in a 72-68
triumph in Thursday’s
opener, was adjudged
the Finals MVP, which
came as a reprieve
after he was stripped of
a place in the Mythical
Five for a
disqualification foul he
incurred in an
elimination round loss,
ironically against San
Beda.
―It’s really, really

sweet,‖ said the soft-
spoken team captain,
playing his fifth and last
season.
Gilbert Bulawan and Ronald Pascual scattered 15 and 12 points, respectively, while
John Raymundo had 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds to help the cause.
Calvin Abueva, who had a monster effort in Game One with 10 points, 23 boards and
five blocks, was hobbled by foul trouble but still finished with five points including a
clutch tip in a crucial run in the fourth quarter.
Lim, for his part, was all praise on the Stags.
―I have to give it to coach Ato (Agustin) and the Stags, they are not expected to be in
the finals and they wiped us out,‖ said Lim, who suffered his first finals loss since
helping win the Mendiola-based school to the last two of its three -peat feat.
The scores:
San Sebastian 76- A quino 16, Bulawan 15, Pascual 12, Raymundo 11, Najorda 5, A bueva 5, Gatchali an
4, del Rio 3, Sangalang 2, Maconocido 2, Semira 1
San Beda 61- Lanete 16, Pascual 11, Tecson 10, Caram 6, Marcelo 6, Daniel 4, Hermida 4, Gamalinda
2, dela Rosa 2, Taganas 0, Tirona 0
Quarterscores: 14-19; 28-38; 54-56; 61-76

Post-Season Write-Ups
Stags complete climb to NCAA throne

By Joey Villar
October 25, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - San

Sebastian relied on airtight
defense and on clutch-shooting
by team skipper Jimbo Aquino
as it dethroned three-peat
champion San Beda, 76-61, to
claim the 85th NCAA basketball
championship before a huge
crowd at the Araneta Coliseum
last night.
The Stags threw a defensive

blanket on the Lions, limiting
them to five free throws in the
final quarter as SSC completed a sweep of San Beda in their best-of-three title duel.
Aquino followed up a 24-point showing in Game One with a 16 -point splurge, including
10 clutch points in the fourth quarter before being helped to the bench with a sprained
ankle with over three minutes left to play.
With a 10-point cushion, the Stags started to celebrate with a little over a minute left to
play.
The team and their supporters erupted in full-blown celebration after Anthony del Rio
nailed a free throw ensuring the victory that gave San Sebastian its first championship
in seven years.
It was San Sebastian’s 12th title overall captured under the guidance of rookie coach
Ato Agustin.
―It was a sweet win,‖ said Agustin, who joined an elite rank of coaches who emerged
triumphant right in their rookie year in the league.
Losing coach Frankie Lim was the last to achieve the feat in 2007.
The Stags beat the Lions in a championship series for the third time since 1996.
Lim said there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

―I have to give it to coach Ato (Agustin) and the Stags. They were not expected to be in
the finals but they swept us out,‖ said Lim, who suffered his first finals loss after helping
the Mendiola-based school win the 2007 and 2008 NCAA crowns.
Aquino was named the Finals MVP.
―It’s really, really sweet,‖ said the soft-spoken team captain, playing his fifth and last
NCAA season.
Gilbert Bulawan and Ronald Pascual scattered 15 and 12 points, respectively, while
John Raymundo had 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Calvin Abueva, who had a monster effort in Game One with 10 points, 23 boards and
five blocks, was hobbled by fouls but had five clutch points inc luding a tip-in during a
crucial run in the fourth quarter.
In juniors’ action, Letran banked on the exploits of Jarelan Tampus and Glenn
Khobuntin as it spoiled a San Beda party with a pulsating 83-80 victory to force a
winner-take-all game.
Tampus waxed hot with 28 points he laced with 14 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a
block while Khobuntin bucked an ankle strain as he churned out 22 points and 15
boards.
It was Archie Inigo, however, who made the biggest shot of the game after he drained a
booming triple – his third in the contest – that shattered an 80-all deadlock with 5.8
seconds to go.
The Cubs couldn’t execute in the next play, allowing the Squires to escape with the win.
Baser Amer exploded with a series-high 39 points he spiked with five caroms, five
assists and two steals but committed 12 errors.
San Beda roared to a blazing 24-11 start and appeared headed to sweeping the series
and handing the school its 15th straight crown.
It would have been a tribute to legendary San Beda mentor Ato Badolato, who has
decided to retire this year after having steered the Cubs to 15 of their 16 championships
since he took the reins 37 seasons ago. Badolato has decided to concentrate on his job
as San Beda athletic director.
Earlier, Jose Rizal’s John Wilson and Louie Vigil won the season’s MVP awards.
Wilson edged San Beda American rookie Sudan Daniel for the seniors MVP plum while
Vigil ran away with the highest individual plum in the high school section.
Wilson amassed average statistical points of 52.7 besting Daniel’s 51.3 points to
become the first Bomber to win the award since Ernani Epondulan eight seasons back.

Estelito Epondulan (1990), Philip Cezar (1972), Sixto Agbay (1969) and Roel Deles
(1967) were other Heavy Bombers who had emerged NCAA MVP.
Vigil was a cut above the rest in the juniors’ division. He averaged 68.2 points -- way
ahead of Letran’s Jarelan Tampus (60.7) and Glenn Khobuntin (59.6), teammate
Joshua Saret (57.6) and San Beda’s Baser Amer (57.3).
Vigil’s dominating effort was a follow-up to former teammate Keith Agovida’s MVP
award last season, making it two in a row for a school that lost its Final Four games.
Wilson and Daniel led the elite Mythical Five that included Arellano U’s Giorgio Ciriacruz
(43.3), San Sebastian’s Calvin Abueva (42.6) and Letran’s RJ Jazul (42.3).
San Sebastian’s Jimbo Aquino would have been in Jazul’s spot but was disqualified for
a misconduct he committed in the Stags’ playoff match with the Lions Wednesday.
Daniel was also named Top Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year while Amer was
Rookie of the Year and Vigil the Defensive Player of the Year in the high school section.
NCAA ready for full-time 10-school competitions next year (2010)

By: Perri Legaspi
Lifted from: GMANews.Tv
A 10-school competition is a big possibility for the National Collegiate Athletic

Association next year.
According to Jose Mari Lacson, the Management Committee

representative of host San Beda, the league is satisfied with
the gains achieved by its 10-team roster this season,
particularly in terms of attendance and economic stability.
"Based sa attendance sa basketball games, we can say that

our decision to include three more (guest) schools is reaping
dividends for the league," said Lacson, referring to Arellano
U, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Angeles University
Foundation.
"Yes, I admit medyo mahaba ang season because of the inclusion of the three schools
but these schools also provided more than economic benefits for the league, there is
also an increase in the awareness and interest in the league."
However, Lacson said that although the Great Danes, the Chiefs and the Generals will
be given preferential treatment as to their inclusion as regular members next year, these
schools must comply with the league’s 10-sport criteria.

"Currently, these schools are competing in six sports. Next year, they must participate in
all of the 10 sports that are being played in the NCAA," explained Lacson.
The three guest teams are competing in basketball, volleyball, swimming track and field,
football and beach volleyball. The other sports being played in the league are chess,
soccer, taekwondo, table tennis and lawn tennis.
"We want to see a program wherein these schools will be competitive in all the sports
being played in the league because the league, being a collegiate competition, is part of
the grassroots development of these sports," Lacson said.
The San Beda official added that they have not closed the doors yet on Lyceum of the
Philippines and Centro Escolar University, two schools whose applications to compete
in the NCAA were not granted because of their lack of a secondary education program.
"High school competition plays a big part in the NCAA, that is why we insist that there
should be high school teams," said Lacson. "So Lyceum and CEU can come back to us
once they have complied with the criteria."
Lascon added that the league is open to the inclusion of other schools in the league,
saying he would not be surprised if fans want to see 12 school members in the future.
"It is only in the inclusion of other schools that we can ensure the future of the league,"
said Lacson.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
www.ncaa.org.ph
www.philstar.com
www.inquirer.net
www.inboundpass.com
www.gmanews.tv
www.abs-cbnnews.com
www.ngetstudio.com
DATE COMPILED: June 2009 – December 2009

NCAA Season 85 - 2009

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NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

NCAA TACKLES ISSUE OF EXPANSION

The board is expected to choose among Arellano University, Angeles University

This year, the league is adding soft tennis as a demonstration sport.

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 2

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 3

Philippine Christian University (PCU), which took an indefinite leave of absence

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 4

Coaches Eric Gascon of Angeles University, Ariel Vanguardia of JRU, Nomar

De Jesus, who was accompanied by top officials of all 10 participating schools,

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 5

PRE-SEASON REVIEWS: GUEST TEAMS

Guest school AUF out to make NCAA surprise

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 6

"As of now, we are working on our running game. That's

"Almost all of them are six-footers," said Gascon.

Carney, who is half-American, half-Filipino, stands at six-foot-four while center

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 7

Head Coach: Eric Gascon

Arellano vows to meet 'NC' requirements

Arellano University has vowed to meet all the conditions set by

One of these requirements includes mandatory participation in

Val Cayco, Arellano's marketing chief who also handles the

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 8

Arellano University Chiefs

Head Coach: Cresencio Ablan, Jr. (1st Year)

Key Losses: Jordan Melano and Orlando Daroya.

Holdovers: Jerome Agustin – Guard, Leonard Anquilo – Guard, Andrian Celada –

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 9

African import banners EAC Generals

League newcomer Emilio Aguinaldo College is hoping for an ace

Fortue, who hails from Cameroon, is expected to be a force for the

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 10

Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals

Head coach: Nomar Isla (1st season in the NCAA)

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 11

The backcourt troika of Mendoza, Villegas and John Santos is offensive-minded

Guest teams debut in NCAA

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 12

The Generals are no push over.

NCAA 85th season gets rolling today

United States Ambassador to the country Kristie Kenney, a known basketball

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 13

A production number, capped by the traditional parade of teams that included

On Monday, the three guest schools officially see action.

College St. Benilde tackles Angeles University Foundation, coached by former

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 14

San Beda College Red Lions

Head Coach: Frankie Lim (3rd year)

Key Additions: Sudan Daniel, Rome de la Rosa, Anjo Caram

Three Championships is an accomplishment for an Institution that has waited 28

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 15

Menor quits San Beda 5

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 16

Jose Rizal University, last season's runner-up, takes on Letran at 4 p.m.,

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 17

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 18

Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers

Head coach: Ariel Vanguardia (4th season)

Additions: Joel Gabriel, Etame Joe, Adoe Salazar

Subtractions: Alex Almario, Jayson Nocom, Maui Pradas

College Basketball Archives - NCAA 2009| 19

JRU coach optimistic about Bombers NCAA chances