NCAA Season 84 Final Four and San Beda’s all out support for Sam Ekwe
Wednesday, 17 September 2008 6,203 Views / 368 Comments
(1) San Beda Red Lions
They have been challenged. They have been torn apart. As I’ve said in my season preview that they will lose some games, except for that fiasco of course. But the Red Lions, have rode the tidal wave, turned the corner, made some breakthroughs and discover that they are still the defending champions. The Red Lions will face a familiar foe in another rematch of last year’s Final Four. This season, San Beda got the most out the Cardinals in their 1st game after the opening day parade. Their second encounter, as Coach Leo Isaac claimed was a display of a forgotten playbook in College Basketball now coined in the media as “old school.
The Red Lions will once again rely on its defense to counter the planned slow motion game by Coach Leo Isaac. In the offensive end, the Red Lions will have no problems scoring. Borgy Hermida, Ogie Menor, Pong Escobal will carry the main scoring load for the Red Lions. Sam Ekwe, committed to work hard on both ends, will join JR Taganas, Bam Gamalinda, Jake Pascual and even Dave Marcelo to complement the Red Lions’ perimeter offense. San Beda reigns in the open court but they have to do a lot of board work to make this happen. In the half-court, Mapua will surely use the zone to slow down the Red Lions but the so-called wisdom of the inventors of this game might not work this time against highly favored San Beda.
(4) Mapua Cardinals
You don’t want your money on one of the most volatile teams in the league. The Cardinals have been a revelation but on certain occasions has been your constant disappointment. The have been the underdogs going for the last seat of the semis but they have triumphed despite odds stacked against them. They have been a head case all season long but you can’t help but wonder how Coach Leo Isaac literally pushed this team into the Final Four.
The Cardinals are not that deep but they do have one of the steadiest backcourt combination in the league in Jonathan Banal, Allan Mangahas, and Kelvin de La Pena. Then put in Jason and Neil Pascual, and off the bench players TJ Guillermo and Ian Mazo, the Cardinals will have to do more than to slow down the pace of the game to test Red Lions’ patience. Defensively, Mapua by far has a well executed zone press to pokey down any team in the league and they will use this to trim some seconds of the shot clock if they hope to drag down the Red Lions offense. Offensively, the Cardinals will always ignite their transition to score quickly so they can get their big men set for the opponents’ half-court attack.
(2) Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers
The almost lost it. But they are coming back armed to the teeth to claim the spot that is rightfully theirs – a twice to beat advantage and gain the right to challenge current NCAA Champs – the San Beda Red Lions. After a fifth place finish to end the elimination round, they have brought back that swagger that have put them, for sometime during the season, on top of the standings.
The Trio of Marc Cagoco, James Sena and John Wilson plus the energy guys of Coach Ariel Vanguardia starring rebounding monster Marvin Hayes and hustling John Njei will push Letran to the limit. JR Bulangis and the ho-hum rise of Maui Pradas in the mix will provide Heavy Bombers’ some of the bench production. Defensively, they have the height advantage to protect the paint and take on the Letran big men. In the offensive end, the Heavy Bombers has finally found some relief by converting their attempts from the perimeter and help create space for dribble penetrations towards the hoop or for that extra pass.
(3) Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights
From a hot start to suddenly a ship with its hull mostly on water, the Letran Knights has been struggling by eliminations end. A reversal of fortune from Season 83. Now the shoe is on the other foot.
After RJ Jazul and Dino Daa, there is no one on the Knights’ roster that has been stepping up. So far Kojack Melegrito has been their spark on the defensive end. The inconsistent play of Rey Guevarra and Rey Dangcal has hurt the rotation of Coach Louie Alas. Jam Cortes, Clarence and John Foronda has to come out of their shell and stand up if they want to keep up with JRU’s interior presence. Their vaunted full-court press has so far worked like a charm . But other teams have become immune and have devised a counter to Letran’s bread and butter scheme. With Letran losing its edge for a twice to beat advantage, Coach Louie Alas will find a way to sharpen his boys to surprise us one more time.
NCAA Season 84 Finals Fearless Forecast: San Beda Red Lions vs. Letran Knights
The San Beda College Community’s all-out support for Sam Ekwe
In their game against Letran, there was no doubt abot Sam Ekwe’s poor performance. He has been a factor in most of San Beda’s wins. Players do have their bad days and that game was one of Sam’s forgettable moments. But to accuse him of throwing a game for his alma mater is not part of Sam Ekwe’s genetic code.
I have known Sam Ekwe for sometime. And I know very well that he will not do something like this. Especially with his honor is on the line. There have been numerous rumors about Sam’s exploits but none of them are true.
Whatever the rumor(s) or accusation(s) that Sam is facing, below is a letter from the San Beda College Community furnished to inboundpass.com as an expression of support for Sam Ekwe.
17 September 2008
MR. SAM EKWE
Red Lions’ Team
San Beda College
Mendiola, Manila
My Dearest Sam,
Just a short note to express my appreciation and gratitude for finding time to meet with me in relation to matter of mutual interest.
For the record, allow me to affirm categorically that you have my personal trust and confidence, as well as of the entire Benedictine Community and San Beda College, of your honesty and commitment to the ideals of St. Benedict. We do not believe that you are involved, in anyway, in the gossips of game fixing. We affirm our agreement to the manifestation of the Nigerian Embassy, through Consul Patricia Alechenu, that you are to be held in high esteem and is a man of integrity.
I wish you the best in all your pursuits.
With my continued esteem
Sincerely,
(Sgd.)
MATEO J. DE JESUS, OSB
Rector- President
cc:  Rt. Rev. Fr. Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB – Abbot Chancellor
Hon. Patricia Alechenu -Consul, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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