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Mapua Instittue of Technology Cardinals

2007 Record: 6-6 (4th place, lost to San Beda in the Final Four)

Additions: Jason Pascual, Allan Mangahas, Randolf Soriano, Mark Sarangay, Kevin Espinosa

Subtractions: Sean Co, Joshua Reyes, Hermes Sumalinog, Arjay del Rosario and Jerby del Rosario

Holdovers: Kelvin de la Peña, TG Guillermo, Jewel Palomique, Mark Anthony Acosta, Paul Cinco, Ian Mazo, Jonathan Banal, Edwin Cornejo, Rodel Ranises and Neil Pascual.

Background: When Coach Leo Isaac took over the Cardinals in Season 83, Mapua became an instant hit and went to the Final Four but hit a major roadblock when they encountered tournament favorite, the San Beda Red Lions. Other than that, the Cardinals performance was good to excellent.

Key Changes: With combo guard Sean Co finally ending his collegiate career, the Mapua Cardinals did not lose much in that position. The have other reliable scorers on and off the bench to fill the void. Kelvin de la Pena will be Mapua’s main weapon on offense, with Mark Acosta, Neil Pascual and Teree Guillermo are now mature to provide the additional firepower that they were sorely missing from last season. Vastly improved Ian Mazo and Jonathan Banal will definitely be there to add the extra spark and hustle in the Cardinals rotation.

Outlook: Now that Coach Isaac had a full season to get to know his players and implement his system, their odds of making it all the way to the Finals are even better.

Prognosis: Inconsistency will play a major role in the Cardinals’ demise this season. They have to be consistent on both ends of the court and play up to their potential as another Final Four candidate and maybe all the way to contention.

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas

2007 Record: 4-8 (tied for 5th place place)

Additions: , Robert Hainga, Jibbson Kong, Harry Petilos, Robin Roño, Rommel Vivero.

Subtractions: Ryan Frebyan, Richard Mojado, Virgilio Manuel, Vladimir Joe, and Sang Myeon Lee

Holdovers: Rommel Balboa, Franz Dysam, John Philip Galabin, Michael Kong, Chris Liaz, Andy Mejos, Ronald Reyes, Nathaniel Salanga, Jeorge Sicat and Raffy Ynion.

Background: Two overseas players got cut on Season 83 opening day. Both are bigs that could have played major minutes for them. Unfortunately, Rommel Balboa was left to man the post but could not hold his own in the middle. The Altas had made some strides in a number of games but the lack of a finishing touch buried Perpetual Help in the bottom of the standings.

Key Changes: Coach Bay Cristobal’s system relies on cutting and reading the offense to establish spacing for their shooters and enable some penetrations towards the basket, the main issue for the Altas will be about how to control the boards for 2nd chance points and clearing the way for their transition offense.

With veterans Michael Kong, Franz Dysam, Ronald Reyes, Nathaniel Salanga, Balboa and Raffy Ynion manning the starting five for the Altas, there is not much juice coming from the bench.

Outlook: So far things are getting worse for the Altas. There is not much material in this line up that could make an impact this season. Hopefully, grit and determination will see them thru.

Prognosis: You need talent to make your system work, regrettably, the Altas does not have much to work with. Season 84 will be another disappointing year for Perpetual Help.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights

2007 Record: 10-2 (2nd Place, lost to San Beda in the Finals)

Additions: JP Belencion, Jam Cortez and Rhaydan Lacamento

Subtractions: Schubert Reposar, Bryan Faundo, and Andro Quinday.

Holdovers: Alvyn Cabonce, Kirk del Rosario, Dino Daa, Rey Dangcal, John Foronda, Clarence Foronda, Rey Guevarra, Reymar Gutilban, RJ Jazul, Anjoe Latonio, Kojack Melegrito and Regin Ranises.

Background: Last Season, the Knights made an impact by defeating the supposedly invincible San Beda Red Lions in the 1st Round. They almost took 1st place only to slide in the final moments of the 2nd round, matched up against an inexperienced Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the Final Four to earn the right to face the defending Season 82 champs in the Finals but lost twice in a gutsy show of heart against a superior foe.

Key Changes: With Bryan Faundo opting to forgo his eligibility this season to turn pro, the Knights are now without a big man that has the tools to keep the opponents’ bigs from nesting in the lane. Coach Louie Alas, who I believe is one of College Basketball’s best, will surely find creative ways to bring out the best out his players.

Outlook: A small ball attack on both ends will be the solution of Coach Alas for a surprisingly no height advantage but flexible Letran line up. Unlike the power teams of Knight’s past, this edition of the Knights will have to rely on above average athleticism and hustle. They have to gang rebound in every play and bring the ball down by committee. In other words, it will be a total team effort if they want to compete for another finals appearance.

RJ Jazul, that has arguably the best medium range game in the NCAA, will once again be Letran’s focal point on offense with Raymar Gutilban, RJ Dino Daa, Athletic forward Rey Guevarra, John Foronda and off the bench energizer rabbit, Kojack Melegrito providing the much needed support.

Prognosis: The Knights have always been a Final Four contender. Though hard pressed with a depleted line up, will have a chance to appear in the Final Four and another shot at the Finals. If they get it together, the Knights can go deeper.

San Beda College Red Lions

2007 Record: 11-1 (First place, defending champions)

Additions: Du Canlas, Jake Pascual, Gino Soliman and Jerome Villanueva

Subtractions: Yousif Aljamal, Jose Antonio Caram, Raymond Maggay and Alvin Padilla

Holdovers: Sam Ekwe, Pong Escobal, Bam Gamalinda, Borgie Hermida, Garvo Lanete, Dave Marcelo, Ogie Menor, JR Taganas, Kris Taupa, JR Tecson and Chico Tirona

Background: the 28 year drought is over, another back to back title, now the Red Lions will go for history as the first team since 1998 to accomplish a rare three-peat. San Beda College’s last three-peat was during Hitler’s invasion of Poland. With an experienced crew that’s been together in both championship runs, their perceived invincibility will be put to the test this Season 84.

Key Changes: With Yousif Aljamal now playing as a pro and with the looming controversies that compounded San Beda’s efforts to plug their gapping hole at the power forward position, the Red Lions will have to make it thru this season without a legit post player that can defend perimeter oriented bigs and a perimeter game that can create space for his teammates.

JR Taganas will be assigned full time at the four spot while Bam Gamalinda will play both forward spots when necessary. Sam Ekwe, boasting some improved offensive skills, for the final time, man the slot for the Red Lions. The combination of Borgie Hermida, Ogie Menor and ring leader Pong Escobal will form the deadly transition trio that the Red Lions are known for. Coming off the bench will be Gabo Lanete, Dave Marcelo, and reformed Kris Taupa. Also expect Jerome Villanueva and Du Canlas to make an impact in some games. The Red Lions are an underated defensive team, but this is the reason why they are still a force to reckon with.

Outlook: With a roster that can go 10 deep, the Red Lions is still the team to beat but will lose some games in the process. Other teams have improved. The Red Lions need each other now to make this three-peat a reality. They can no longer rely on talent alone, they have to work as a team or lose the edge.

Prognosis: The Red Lions will enter their most challenging season yet. They have never been in this kind of adversity before. They used to be their own worst enemy, but not anymore. They have to be on their toes to win it all this year or else……

Overall prediction:

Elimination round
1 – San Beda College
2 – Jose Rizal University
3 – Colegio de San Juan de Letran
4 – Mapua Institute of Technology
5 - San Sebastian College Recoletos
6 – College of St. Benilde
7 – Philippine Christian University
8 – University of Perpetual Help Dalta System

Final Four
(1) San Beda over (4) Mapua Institute of Technology
(3) Colegio San Juan de Letran over (2) Jose Rizal University

Finals
(1) San Beda College over over (3) Colegio San Juan de Letran

Tags: altas, Be-Like-Mike, cardinals, Knights, Letran-College, Mapua-Institute-of-Technology, ncaa, Perpetual-Help, Petron, red-lions, San-Beda-College

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Posted in Be Like Mike