NCAA Season 85 (2009-2010)

[shaqmonster]

sir, baste officials and dennis pineda have renewed talks with the escoto family. the main concern of russell is playing time what with sanggalang and najorda already there.

Najorda has only a year left in SSC. Escoto can play as main reliever for Sangalang or he can play PF because Bulawan has also just one more season with the Stags.

Escoto can't be that choosy because the situation is the same with regard to the other schools who have their own resident big men, except for UST perhaps which badly needs a big man.

[OjiesIII]

abueva is only 6'2, so is pascual.


regarding abueva vs espinas, ill go for espinas anytime. if you've seen the espinas during his olongapo interbarangay and early PCU days he was far more agressive than abueva. and hands down, espinas is the more talented player.

I think Abueva is 6'3.. I think he is much taller than Marvin Hayes which is listed 6'1 to 6'2..

Espinas is great "before".. now he plays for money and just preventing injury..

[Big Ticket]

Espinas is great "before".. now he plays for money and just preventing injury..

well, 11 pts and 11 rebs per game for a player who does not get any play run for him ain't that bad...

[OjiesIII]

well, 11 pts and 11 rebs per game for a player who does not get any play run for him ain't that bad...

maybe just to much expectation from 3rd pick overall and former MVP and Defensive Player of the Year..

[broadstripes]

Ato hinted yesterday on hardball that people might be surprise on who took the residency in Baste and will be eligible to play for them next season.

With this statement by coach Ato, it's definitely not Robin Dizon. Coz Robin took his residency at the same time with Ronald Pascual. But Robin will definitely be on San Sebastian's line up next year. About this high profile recruit I think this is the player our source told us. There has been talks that the coaching staff of Baste was looking for a recruit to replace Jimbo. This player is with Baste as early August. This player is described as a sweet shooter. More like a young Jimbo Aquino, our source told us. And there will be 2 new point guards as well in preparation for the departure of Pamboy and Maco.

About Russell Escoto, I really hope Russell will end up in Recto. If this will happen this will probably be one of the greatest frontline tandem in the history of Philippine Collegiate basketball.

[tamarawz]

i guess escoto will end up in morayta ramos and cervantes will be playing their final year next season and i heard escoto will be included in season 73 FEU tams..

[ankle breaker]

sir nardy, do you have the sequel for this?

A last look at NCAA Season 85 in song and word (II).

[nardy]

sir nardy, do you have the sequel for this?

A last look at NCAA Season 85 in song and word (II).

am also wondering what's taking the author, Christian Soler, such a long time finishing the continuation of his season summary.

[I'mTheMan]

Is Russel Escoto good? Please rate him from 1-10, 10 being the highest.

[nardy]

A last look at NCAA Season 85 in song and word (I)
by Christian Soler

NCAA SEASON 85 has, not surprisingly, turned out to be one of the most memorable to date for the obvious reasons, expected whipping boys and shocking storybook ending. After a long, record-breaking 96-game season, a final look at the year, both in song and word, wouldn’t hurt at all.

Part I delves into the bottom five teams in this season’s campaign.

Angeles University Foundation (2-16)

Song of their season: Madapaka by Parokya ni Edgar
Moment of the year: Losing 15 straight games, 14 of them by double-digits
Quote of the year: “May ibubuga pa pala. Basta nandun yung effort, kaya naman eh.” – Coach Eric Gascon after the season-ending win against Perpertual Help.

Nobody in heaven’s name expected the Great Danes to do well this season, although no one also expected them to be this bad. AUF lost to Mapua by 38, San Sebastian by 32, and Letran by 30 – and that was just in the first round. Man, was this team bad or what?

With only trigger-happy Limmuel Manarang and Patrick Musni the key cogs leaving the team after the season, there’s hope that the boys from MacArthur Highway can find their groove next season, should they still play NCAA ball. Being a guest team, that would all depend on the set-up for next year. While the troika of Matthew Carney, Aaron Santos and Guian Fuertez showed up on some afternoons, the Danes just didn’t have any bite in them. Want more proof? There’s a lot to choose from, but here’s one: Giving up 89 points a game, in a 40-minute game (not 48), is just darn ugly.

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (3-15)

Song of their season: Huwag Mo Nang Itanong by The Eraseheads
Moment of the year: Beating Mapua, 72-71 in its first round encounter after trailing by as many as eight points with three minutes left
Quote of the year: “Well, this season like I said even from the start we didn’t really expect to win games especially with the lineup that I inherited…In less than a week, I’m going to start building up my team for next year. We are already going to prepare as early as that for next season.” – Coach Boris Aldeguer in a postgame interview after his team’s 67-59 second round loss to St. Benilde.

Take Aldeguer’s word for it. This year wasn’t going to be fun. To begin with, he lost combo guard Ronald Reyes to an ACL injury, then watched Cebuano playmaker Franz Dysam and high-flying Jonathan Belorio bolt for Letran. Sure, his Altas lost to AUF, which is the equivalent of committing a mortal sin in the NCAA. But what really killed Perpetual Help was the lack of support from the second-stringers.

Raffy Ynion, as expected, put in the numbers, while Chris Elopre was one of the league’s pleasant surprises. Besides them, nobody else was consistent. Nathaniel Salanga had a not-so-memorable final year, Robin Roño was like, well, Robin to Batman albeit not everyday and JM Sicat thought the season ended on August 12 [Where, against EAC, he exploded for 18 points. He then went on to score a combined grand total of 27 points in his next nine games]. Don’t ask why the Altas were this bad; it’s written all over Las Piñas.

College of St. Benilde (6-12)

Song of their season: Nanghihinayang by Jeremiah
Moment of the year: Winning their first two games for the second straight year, only to miss out on the Final Four for the seventh consecutive season.
Quote of the year: “I think that’s a decent finish [tied for sixth] considering all the problems that we encountered throughout the season. We lost key players.” – Coach Richard del Rosario after their penultimate game of the year.

The Blazers fielded in arguably their best team since that last Final Four appearance in 2002. While that isn’t really saying much since “main” hordes the more talented kids, CSB was truly one of the most disappointing teams of Season 85. The Taft outfit was pretty good when they were intact, as evidenced by that triple-overtime thriller of a win over Arellano where a guy named Jeff Morial exploded for 31 points.

Morial was one of three Blazers “lost” during the season. After going 0-for-6 in 31 minutes in St. Benilde’s rematch with Arellano, he was never to be seen again. The official line was that he, along with Ilie Johnston and Chuck Dalanon, were saddled with injuries. Whatever the reason(s) is (are), it’s just a pity that a pretty good team like CSB played pretty bad basketball. And of course, another bad season gives both the alumni and student body yet another reason not to watch Blazer ball.

Emilio Aguinaldo College (6-12)

Song of their season: Hallelujah by Bamboo
Moment of the year: The Generals’ 86-81 win over old UCAA and NCRAA foe Arellano, which served as payback for their first round loss.
Quote of the year: “Beating the big teams is what inspires us to play basketball.” – Coach Nomar Isla in a pregame talk before facing San Beda in round one of the eliminations. Forty minutes later, EAC lost by 31.

After beginning the year 0-4, including that mortal sin of a loss to AUF, things looked shaky in the red half of San Marcelino. But if there’s anything Isla is good at, it’s motivating his players. That was on display as the debuting Generals won five of their final seven games while giving squads like Letran and San Sebastian a serious scare.

EAC has a lot more reason to praise the high heavens since only Ruel Jabaybay will be leaving the squad after the season. So, that’s more Argel Mendoza for all you saluting-during-the-alma-mater-hymn folks. Or, shall we say, less? Watch out for Jeffrey Lapitan, Neil Tuazon and another scoring machine in Roy Villegas next year.

Mapua Institute of Technology (6-12)

Song of their season: Hari Ng Sablay by Sugarfree
Moment(s) of the year: Losing six games by seven points or less
Quote of the year: “It looked like a habit for us to lose in the endgame but we learned a lot from those losses.” – Coach Chito Victolero after snapping a school-record 10-game losing skid.

You sure did, Chito. The Cardinals’ season can be divided into two: The first 13 games, which saw them go 1-12 (with the six close defeats mentioned all happening in that time span), and the last five games, all of which were won quite convincingly.

Lest be called the Adamson Falcons of the NCAA for its hard luck and late-game blunders, Mapua has to be given credit for pulling through in the end. Despite being a veteran-laden squad, a lot of those so-called veterans (see Macky Acosta, Paul Cinco, Erwin Cornejo and Rodel Ranises) never had the chance to play during former coach Leo Isaac’s tenure. This may partly explain the mishaps early on, but a couple of better breaks could have had the Cards hunting for a Final Four berth. At least, they nab sixth place and the PCCL wildcard berth via the quotient system. Yes, that good old silver lining.

A last look at NCAA Season 85 in song and word (II)
by Christian Soler

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.

[ramzaruglia]

A last look at NCAA Season 85 in song and word (II)
by Christian Soler

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.

Isn't the right song for Baste is the song "We Are The Champions" by Queen....

[nardy]

Belencion drains eight threes in FMC

Letran's Jaypee Belencion put on another explosive performance from the outside, this time in a small gym with no television cameras or sportswriters in sight.

Belencion drilled eight three-pointers to finish with 27 points as the Knights dismantled Arellano B, 97-38 in Saturday's 5th Father Martin Open Cup at the Arellano gym in Legarda.

That performance was made only in the first half before spending most of his time on the bench as the Knights easily thrashed the Chiefs.

Belencion's offensive effort came after draining 10-of-19 triples for 36 points as Letran defeated La Salle, 83-72, in the Sweet 16 of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena.

In that contest, Letran played without RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra and Kirk del Rosario, putting Belencion in the spotlight.

In the second game, Nigerian Ifeanyi Mbah scored 12 points as University of the Philippines repulsed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 78-55.

[ramzaruglia]

Belencion drains eight threes in FMC

Letran's Jaypee Belencion put on another explosive performance from the outside, this time in a small gym with no television cameras or sportswriters in sight.

Belencion drilled eight three-pointers to finish with 27 points as the Knights dismantled Arellano B, 97-38 in Saturday's 5th Father Martin Open Cup at the Arellano gym in Legarda.

That performance was made only in the first half before spending most of his time on the bench as the Knights easily thrashed the Chiefs.

Belencion's offensive effort came after draining 10-of-19 triples for 36 points as Letran defeated La Salle, 83-72, in the Sweet 16 of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena.

In that contest, Letran played without RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra and Kirk del Rosario, putting Belencion in the spotlight.

In the second game, Nigerian Ifeanyi Mbah scored 12 points as University of the Philippines repulsed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 78-55.

Oooohhhh... Jaypee Belencio, according to Bill Velasco back in the NCAA, is a cold blooded, no conscience shooter. Now he's showing his dark side now. Muwahahaha!!

[buhawitwister]

It will be foolish for Letran to let Alas go. He's the knight's lone saving grace given their lineup, lackluster recruitment and seemingly declining program. Where have all the proud alumni support of the past gone?



I read somewhere that Cabonce has exhausted his eligibility due to age.

I'm a huge fan of letran knights but the worst player they ever had was Alvin Cabonce. Man, it was such a relief that now he's gone. This really isn't an appropriate way to talk about player's personal lives...-Moderator