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Second of two parts

Arellano University (8-10)

Song of their season: Kisapmata by Rivermaya
Moment of the year: At 7-4, the Chiefs wilted down the stretch against the experienced Letran Knights, 89-85. After that, Arellano went 1-6 to finish its maiden NCAA campaign.
Quote of the year: “Siyempre nakakataba ng puso kapag nabasa mo na mas mataas pa kami sa [preseason] prediction kaysa sa ibang member-school. Kami guest lang.” – Coach Junjie Ablan, in reaction to preseason polls that put his squad as high as sixth.

In a span of seven games, and a blink of an eye, the Legarda outfit – by far the most competitive of the three guest teams – mutated from a Final Four contender to, well, an above-average rookie team. The “half-empty, half-full glass” analogy best suits the Arellano Chiefs. First, the half-empty argument – How in heaven’s name was Arellano able to lose six of its final seven games? Sure, there was JRU, San Beda and San Sebastian in the tail end of its schedule. But the good teams, at the very least, compete in the toughest of games. So when the Chiefs lost by 34 to the Stags, it was clear they didn’t belong with the big boys.

Now, for the more optimistic, Teletubbie-type point of view. Guests aren’t supposed to crash parties. But that’s just what the Chiefs did as they beat the likes of Letran and a theoretically more competitive St. Benilde five, among others, while giving JRU and San Beda a run for their money. Big man Gio Ciriacruz, in his last playing year for the former NCRAA kings, even made it to the Mythical Five and towed his team to the PCCL Sweet 16. Had Arellano beaten Mapua and EAC in that disastrous final stretch, it would have clipped the impressive 10-win mark. Now that’s something to build on.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran (12-6)

Song of their season: Ngayon Pa Lang Tagumpay Ka Na by Lea Salonga
Moment of the year: Inflicting San Sebastian its first loss after 15 straight wins, 80-63.
Quote of the year: “I’m proud of my boys despite the fact that we played minus Rey [Guevarra] who has been a pillar of this team. But we never gave up the entire game and fought up to the last second because everyone gave their best.” – Coach Louie Alas, after his unit’s season-ending defeat to San Beda in the Final Four.

Not much was expected from the Knights this year, especially with all the departures from Season 84 and the surprise formation of Mutineers Inc. (Clarence Foronda and Anjoe Latonio, both of whom bolted for FEU at the last minute). The supporting cast’s inconsistent play didn’t help either. So how did Muralla stand its ground and overachieve amidst all this?

RJ Jazul was still RJ Jazul, and that saw Letran through for much of the year. Add to that the vastly-improved Rey Guevarra who, before suffering a unfortunate ACL tear in the last elimination round game, successfully developed a sound perimeter game. And of course, Louie Alas. It’s a pity, though, that as of time of writing, Alas and the Letran management have yet to reach an agreement for the future despite the multi-titled coach’s confirmed rejection of a lucrative offer from another university. Reports of discord in the Letran camp have surfaced as well. Yes, coaches come and go, but paying Alas a little bit of respect for what he’s done would bode well. Let’s face it, Letran actually had a good year despite all the problems from Day One, and Alas has had a lot to do with that success.

Jose Rizal University (15-3)

Song of their season: Sayang Ang Lahat by True Faith
Moment of the year: Losing to a San Sebastian five that played sans the disqualified Calvin Abueva and Gilbert Bulawan, 84-78 in round two of the eliminations. The defeat virtually ended JRU’s twice-to-beat aspirations.
Quote of the year: “Sayang lahat nang pinaghirapan.” – Ex-coach Ariel Vanguardia, moments after JRU was knocked out by the Stags in the Final Four.

In another place and another time, winning more than 80 percent of your games would guarantee you at least a spot in the Finals. Vanguardia said, “it wasn’t meant to be.” But is it fate’s fault, or were the stars apathetic to a bunch of self-made errors?

Since playing the blame game seems to be in fashion along Shaw Boulevard, let’s join the bandwagon. In my opinion, Vanguardia and lead assistant coach Lito Vergara did their part. Tactically, there were few errors. On the floor, let’s zero in on JR Sena and, to some degree, Marc Cagoco. Sena, projected by pundits to deliver an MVP-type campaign, registered his season-high in points on opening day (18 points versus Letran). From July to October, he was missing in action. As for Cagoco, there’s always a fine line between wanting the ball and directing the entire team, especially if you’re a point guard. Unfortunately, some costly decision-making mistakes from the backcourt. I’ve said this time and time again when talking about the Bombers – they’ll go where their point guards take them. Jay-R Bulangis was nowhere too this year (the MCL injury excuse is lame, just ask Borgie Hermida), so go figure.

San Beda College (16-2)

Song of their season: Umaaraw, Umuulan by Rivermaya
Moment of the year: Well, losing the title to San Sebastian.
Quote of the year: “You’ve seen me against Letran and JRU in the past [finals], I never complain to the refs. This time, I’m all over them, simply cause I’m not getting any of the calls.” – Coach Frankie Lim, minutes before the start of Game 2 of the NCAA Finals.

For much of the season, San Beda looked the sharpest of the top three squads. The Red Lions were on cruise control for the most part with Sudan Daniel dunking on everyone, Bam Gamalinda hitting the big/clutch shots, Rome de la Rosa getting better by the game and Jake Pascual developing into a superb player.

The rest, they say, is history. In what turned out to be a Tale of Two Seasons, San Beda was outplayed by a gutsy Stags quintet in the championships. There were a handful of questionable calls, but not enough to dig a hole the Red Lions couldn’t get out of. For that matter, forget the calls. The Red Lions’ effort level just wasn’t enough to clinch a historical fourth consecutive title. Not everything, however, is doom and gloom in Mendiola, as Kyle Pascual, Jaypee Mendoza and Mar Villahermosa are just three members of a talented rookie class for 2010.

San Sebastian College-Recoletos (16-2)

Song of their season: Habang Atin Ang Gabi by South Border
Moment of the year: For that matter, snatching the championship from San Beda.
Quote of the year: “Walang rookie rookie. Lahat tayo coach at player, pare-pareho lang tayo.” – Coach Ato Agustin, in a Finals pregame talk.

It took just 12 months for San Sebastian to transform itself from a heartbreak outfit that failed to make the Final Four by a single game to a title team. All seemed lost when the Stags lost to San Beda twice in one week, but Agustin and co. got their act together to return the favor a few days later.

Indeed, things happen that fast in the world of college hoops. While it remains to be seen as to whether or not the Stags can create a San Beda-like dynasty, or better yet emulate their five-peat predecessors from a decade back, one thing’s for certain: San Sebastian should savor this achievement, but also can’t rest on its laurels just yet, even if the night of glory is still theirs.

Posted in Columns, Postgame