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WHAT IF... Aldin Ayo stayed in Letran
History lesson: Aldin Ayo won back-to-back championships with two different teams in two different leagues. As a fresh-faced first-time head coach in the big leagues, he energized alma mater Colegio de San Juan de Letran all the way to the promised land in NCAA 91. Just months later, he then steered De La Salle University's Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng-led juggernaut to the UAAP 79 title. And so, Coach Aldin is one of the few coaches who could claim to have championships in the Philippines' top two collegiate leagues - and, most probably, the only one who could claim to have done it in succession. If there was one school and one squad where the youthful mentor would be a perfect fit, though, it could be argued that would be the Letran Knights. For one, Intramuros had been his home in his collegiate days. For another, the blue and red, despite having the second-most championships, actually enters each and every season as far from the favorite - that tag, more often than not, belongs to modern-day dynasty San Beda University. And what is Coach Aldin if not the ultimate underdog - a Sorsogon native who thrives on proving himself and proving doubters wrong. With that, let us try putting him still at the Letran bench for their title defense. Despite being the one sitting on the throne, they still would be far from the favorite as they would have lost Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal just as the Red Lions were getting Robert Bolick while Arellano University had Jiovani Jalalon and Kent Salado a year wiser. Still, "Mayhem" would remain in place - meaning they would not have to adjust to a new philosophy just like what had happened in the real world with new coach Jeff Napa. Even more, Coach Aldin would just unleash Rey Nambatac while also giving bigger burdens to Jerrick Balanza, Mcjour Luib, Bong Quinto, and Jom Sollano. Just as well, he would have had brought new recruits as determined as him to prove themselves. And with all of that, the Knights would have no problems whatsoever making it back to the Final Four - only this time as the third-seeded team following one-seed San Beda and two-seed Arellano. Matched up with the run-and gun Chiefs in the Final Four, they would be able to keep up and even triumph in Game 1. In the do-or-die Game 2, however, they bow to a side that, quite frankly, was the strongest on paper as it was led by, hands down, the best point guard in college in Jalalon and the most overqualified backup in Salado. The Finals then plays out just how it played out - with the Red Lions reclaiming the crown. In the end, Letran still falls short in its title defense even with Coach Aldin remaining at the helm. Nonetheless, there stayed order to all their "Mayhem." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Robert Bolick-led NLEX deepens San Beda core, signs 6th ex-Red Lion Baser Amer
Former San Beda coach Frankie Lim turns to another trusted former player in PBA free agency as NLEX snags four-time NCAA champion Baser Amer.....»»
Cuntapay continues grind, helps San Beda thrash Arellano
Left without a contract after the PBA team that drafted him left him hanging, San Beda big man Damie Cuntapay has set his sights in proving he is worthy of a spot in the pros......»»
Eyes on debuting Arellano, San Sebastian coaches
Newbie coaches Chico Manabat of Arellano University and John Kallos of San Sebastian try to prove their worth as they debut today against powerhouse teams San Beda and Mapua, respectively, in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena......»»
Lady Chiefs outclass Red Spikers for 1st SSL win
The Arellano Lady Chiefs made quick work of the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, 25-15, 25-21, 25-15, to open their campaign in the Shakey's Super League preseason championship Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City......»»
Benilde seals perfect season
College of Saint Benilde crushed Lyceum University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-11, 25-20, to retain the Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball crown via sweep yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Game 2 victory in the best-of-three series was the Lady Blazers’ 29th stretching back to January 2020 and was made possible by the precious contributions of Gayle Pascual, who hit 15 points, and Finals Most Valuable Player Jade Gentapa, who had 13. Also making her presence felt was Cloanne Mondonedo, who had 23 excellent sets. The win, which culminated its perfect season, allowed Saint Benilde to hold a double celebration as it was also head coach Jerry Yee’s 49th birthday. “Honestly, this championship was harder. We had a few five-set games along the way and we had to adjust,” said Yee, who gave the school its third league title. “I’m happy that in the end, we were able to get the championship,” he added. Johna Dolorito was the only Lady Pirate to score in double digits with 11 points. Meanwhile, San Beda University clawed out of a 0-2 hole for a 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 15-11 win over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in Game 2 of the men’s volleyball tournament. Kenrod Umali and rookie Ralph Cabalsa both scored 19 points each as the Red Spikers snapped the Altas’ 32-game winning streak that started back in Game 2 of the Season 93 Finals against Arellano University on 19 February 2018. Both San Beda and Perpetual will play for all the marbles on Sunday in the same San Juan venue. Red Spikers head coach Ariel de la Cruz said the team’s positive mindset despite the odds proved vital. “It has to start with me. I have to motivate them and elevate them so that whatever mistake that happens, we work together and fix it,” De la Cruz said. “It starts when you enter the court with a smile and enjoy the game.” San Beda started the fifth set with a 6-2 lead and never looked back as Cabalsa fired an off-the-block kill for the win. Season 98 MVP Louie Ramirez led the way for the losers with 32. An awarding ceremony took place before the matches kicked off with individual awards being given to the tournament’s other top performers. John Benedict San Andres of Mapua University was hailed as the 1st Best Outside Spiker while Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Joshua Ramilo took home the 2nd Best Outside Spiker award. Letran College’s Vinze Himzon won both Rookie of the Year and 1st Best Middle Blocker awards while Jethro Cabillan of Arellano University took the 2nd Best Middle Blocker award. Adrian Villados of the Chiefs was hailed as the Season 98 Best Setter with Perpetual’s Joshua Zareno taking the Best Opposite Spiker plum and Lawrence Briones of EAC getting the Best Libero honors. In the women’s tournament, Mary Rhose Dapol was hailed as both the MVP and the 1st Best Outside Spiker of Season 98 with teammates Shaila Omipon and Marian Anday picked the Rookie of the Year and Best Libero, respectively. Gentapa likewise took home the 2nd Best Outside Spiker while teammate Pascual got the tournament’s Best Opposite Spiker title. Lyceum team captain Venice Puzon picked up her second Best Setter diadem with fellow Lady Pirate Jaja Tulang voted as the 2nd Best Middle Blocker. Arellano’s Trina Abay took home the 1st Best Middle Blocker award. The post Benilde seals perfect season appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBA’s Bolick, Red Lions coach Fernandez to hold coaching clinic in Leyte
CEBU CITY, Philippines — NorthPort Batang Pier’s star player Robert Bolick and San Beda Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez III will spearhead the two-day coaching clinic called the OCCCI D-League Coaches Clinic tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17 to 18, 2022, at the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception gymnasium in Baybay City, Leyte. The two […] The post PBA’s Bolick, Red Lions coach Fernandez to hold coaching clinic in Leyte appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lions stay right behind Knights, Blazers
James Kwekuteye came through with a clutch performance that made up for his lethargic efforts the past couple of games as San Beda flattened Arellano University, 76-63, yesterday to stay at No. 3 in NCAA Season 98 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre......»»
Kwekuteye powers Lions past Chiefs
James Kwekuteye came through with a clutch performance that made up from his lethargic efforts the past couple of games as San Beda flattened Arellano University, 76-63......»»
Lions fight Chiefs, Bombers play Cards
San Beda eyes to solidify its place in the magic four as it tackles unpredictable Arellano University today in NCAA Season 98 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre......»»
Knights, Lions eye share of third spot
Letran and San Beda aspire to fortify their spots in the Magic Four when they battle Arellano University and University of Perpetual Help, respectively, today in NCAA Season 98 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre......»»
Nicole, Arellano tutuhugin Beda
PLANONG humataw muli ni Nicole Victoria Sasuman para sa naghahanap ng four-peat na Arellano University Lady Chiefs matapos pamunuan sa opening day win kontra San Beda University, habang magde-debut naman ang parehong Colegio de San Juan de Letran at Jose Rizal University sa 97th season ng National Collegiate Athletics Association women’s volleyball tournament sa Paco Arena sa Maynila ngayong Martes. The post Nicole, Arellano tutuhugin Beda first appeared on Abante......»»
Scottie would have loved one more year with Bright and Prince
All those playoff exits at the hands of San Beda University still pains Scottie Thompson. “Lahat-lahat,” he answered when asked in The Prospects Pod which of University of Perpetual Help’s Final Four losses to the Red Lions hurt the most. “Nasira pangarap naming lahat eh.” Despite bowing out to the red and white in three of his five years as an Alta, however, the 6-foot-1 playmaker said his most painful defeat actually came from Colegio de San Juan de Letran. “Actually, hindi San Beda yung pinakamasakit,” he shared. “Yung pinakamasakit is yung last year ko. Non-bearing na sa Letran tapos may bearing sa amin, dapat papasok kami ng Final Four pag manalo kami.” Thompson was talking about the wine and gold’s last elimination round assignment in NCAA 91 - a closely contested season that saw six squads all have a shot at the Final Four. Before that game, Perps stood at joint third at 11-6 and a win would have staked claim to the fourth and final playoff berth, thereby closing the door on Mapua University, Jose Rizal University, and Arellano University. On the other hand, the Knights had already clinched a top two finish - though they were still in a dead heat for the top-seed with archrival San Beda. In the end, Letran triumphed. In the end, Perpetual stood on the outside looking into the playoff picture. And in the end, that was the former MVP’s last game in the NCAA. “Dahil dun sa talong yun, hindi kami nakapasok ng Final Four sa mismong last year ko pa. Hindi ko makakalimutan yun,” he said. Even more, that Altas team was fully loaded as aside from Thompson, it had future MVPs Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze. If only he had one more go-round, the now-27-year-old has no doubt that he, Akhuetie, and Eze would be back with a vengeance come Season 92. “Siguro, kung nabigyan pa ako ng isang chance na makasama sila, may chance kaming makabawi. Isang year lang kaming nagkasabay eh,” he said. He then continued, “Kulang lang ng isang taon. Siguro, kung isang taon pa, baka sakali lang.” A Scottie Thompson completely comfortable with Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze? That sounds like a recipe for success for Perpetual and a recipe for disaster for the rest of the league. —— Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Bandana Bros. have fans in Baser Amer, Jiovani Jalalon
While the "Bandana Bros." are no more, that doesn't mean James Canlas and Evan Nelle are no more as well. Instead, with Canlas remaining in San Beda University and Nelle relocating to De La Salle University, both of them actually have a golden opportunity to prove their worth even more. The Filipino-Canadian swingman will now be the undisputed lead guard for the Red Lions as they seek to reclaim their crown. And thus far, he has already won the approval of a certain school legend who won a total of six championships in red and white. Asked in The Prospects Pod which NCAA guard has impressed him the most, Baser Amer answered, "Si James Canlas." Amer led San Beda's Jrs. team to two titles before becoming a key cog in the Srs. squad's four-peat. Meanwhile, Nelle will become the ready-made replacement at point for the Green Archers once Aljun Melecio graduates. And another NCAA great has no doubt that his talent would only translate to the UAAP. Asked the same question as his former fierce foe from college, Jiovani Jalalon answered, "Si Nelle. Sobrang galing nung batang yun." Jalalon starred for Arellano University and was the unanimous best point guard in his last year in college. His playmaking prowess may very well be similar for brand new La Salle's long-limbed court general. Even though Nelle will no longer be wearing red and white, Amer says he has no problem with the decision to transfer. "Para sa akin, desisyon ng bata yun e. Siyempre, pag nagdesisyon, sasabihin niya sa family niya and yung family niya, sinuportahan yung bata," he said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Four of coach Frankie s NCAA First 5 comes straight from San Beda
Frankie Lim has been calling the shots for University of Perpetual Help from 2018 to present. Before this, the fiery mentor was at the helm of San Beda University from 2007 to 2011. Through all of that, he has had a hand in the discovery and the development of young talent for his teams as well as the game planning for the opposing rising stars. Among all of those, who are the best of the best for him? Here is Frankie Lim's NCAA First 5, as he told ABS-CBN Sports: ROBERT BOLICK Coach Frankie was no longer in San Beda when Robert Bolick became "Big Shot Bolick." Where he was instead was at the other end, doing his best to push Perpetual into getting the better of the 6-foot-1 playmaker. In his three games going up against Bolick, Coach Frankie and his boys fell short - and that only made the latter all the more impressed with the former. GARVO LANETE Before Bolick was doing what he was doing, Lanete set the standard on what San Beda should get from its lead guard. A fearless gunner forever willing to put the Red Lions on his back, the 6-foot-2 scorer was right up there with the likes of Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas as the best backcourt players in college. Lanete had an edge over those two, though, as he was a key cog in four championships for the red and white. MIKE NZEUSSEU Nzeusseu is not the foreign student-athlete we're used to watching. Yes, he could back down on opponents, but he was at his best either facing up and forcing his quickness on defenders or finishing setups from the likes of CJ Perez and the Marcelino twins. Coach Frankie knows a thing or two about paint presences, but he is also a big fan of more well-rounded big men. SUDAN DANIEL Daniel had an unenviable task of following Sam Ekwe, you know, the Nigerian who won MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Without a doubt, though, "Superman" lived up to his lofty billing, making sure San Beda remained the team-to-beat even in the face of San Sebastian College-Recoletos' Pinatubo Trio as well as Alas and Raymond Almazan-led Colegio de San Juan de Letran. In an MVP campaign in 2010, Daniel stood as the pillar for the Red Lions' 18-0 romp through the tournament and wound up with something not even Ekwe had - a season sweep. OLA ADEOGUN At the peak of his powers, Adeogun was, simply put, scary. An unbelievable hybrid of Ekwe's power and Daniel's agility, the Nigerian saw to it that there was no let up for San Beda even after they had moved on from their two foreign student-athletes who won MVP. Adeogun did not win the top individual player himself and yet, he won the hearts of the San Beda faithful thanks to the attitude he brought to the Red Lions. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
SUPER SHOWDOWN: San Beda-Adamos-Perps Adamos
As it stands today, Ben Adamos is one of the best young big men in the Philippines. The 6-foot-6 center was a double-double machine in his first season for University of Perpetual Help. Posting per game counts of 11.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists he stood as the pillar of the Altas’ challenging, yet still competitive campaign. Even before his transfer to Las Pinas, however, Adamos was already standing strong. In particular, his first year in San Beda University had him functioning as the modern big man in head coach Jamike Jarin's modern game plan. Starting 13 games and providing a big boost off the bench in the 10 others, he averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds as the Red Lions reclaimed the throne. Unfortunately, a year later, he got lost in the shuffle in new mentor Boyet Fernandez's more deliberate offensive and defensive schemes. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for him to get a golden opportunity to take his talents elsewhere. Now, the 22-year-old is continuing to showcase his skills as a modern big man who has nothing but a high ceiling for the future of his young career. Which Ben Adamos is more impressive, though? The one who ran and gunned with San Beda? Or the one who makes a living inside and outside in Perps? The answer will be made known in this week's ABS-CBN Sports Super Showdown. To figure out who comes out on top between the two versions, we will be judging them in five categories (inside scoring, outside scoring, defense, consistency, and impact) with a boxing-style 10-point must system determining the decision. INSIDE SCORING With his size, Adamos always has an advantage at the rim. Where he differs from the usual bigs, however, is the versatility of his moves down low. Adamos could face up just as good as he could back down - he would not overpower his fellow bigs, but he has nifty footwork to get himself to a spot he likes. In Perpetual, though, he has improved his nose for the ball which puts him at the right place, at the right time as evidenced by his 2.8 offensive rebounds per game. For reference, he had 1.3 boards per game in his time in San Beda. Advantage, Perps Adamos 10-9 OUTSIDE SCORING What makes a modern big man is a sweet stroke from outside the paint - and Adamos has just that. Be it from mid-range or long-range, he could take and make a shot. It was in San Beda where he showed off this shooting touch, serving as a stretch-4 or stretch-5 for their run-and-gun offense and totaling 12 triples and many, many long 2s as Dan Sara and Robert Bolick's pick-and-pop partner. Adamos still launches long-range missiles in Perpetual, 10 in total to be exact, but he is, more often than not, stationed at or near the paint. That means that the true modern big man - in terms of offense, at the very least - was what we saw in Adamos as a Red Lion. Advantage, San Beda Adamos 10-9 DEFENSE Adamos was never much of a paint protector in San Beda - he didn't have to be as they had Donald Tankoua and Arnaud Noah. When needed, however, he still proved to be up to the task and had averages of 1.4 blocks. Fast forward to his time in Perpetual and Adamos realized his potential at the defensive end as he averaged 1.9 blocks. He was firm at the rim, without a doubt, but could also keep up with wings and guards thanks to his quick feet. Of course, Adamos wasn't Prince Eze at that end, but he more than made up for his height and length difference with the Nigerian tower with a whole lot of effort and energy. Advantage, Perps Adamos 10-9 CONSISTENCY San Beda's championship winning machine has always operated through total team effort. That means that, yes, Adamos had more than a few good to great games in Season 92, but also had some games where he had to take a backseat to the likes of Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, and Davon Potts. In Perps, though, he is the main man in the middle and is a double-double threat game in and game out. As Frankie Lim's starter all throughout the tournament, Adamos got together with Edgar Charcos as the inside-outside combination that made sure the Altas remained a tough out. Advantage, Perps Adamos 10-9 IMPACT Coach Jamike had tantalizing talents in Bolick, Mocon, Potts, and Tankoua, but it was modern big man Adamos who made sure they played new-age basketball. Capable and confident of scoring from all over, he was often the recipient and finisher of set-ups by Bolick and Dan Sara. Make no mistake, Adamos made an immediate impact in his first year in Perpetual and made sure they had a ready-made replacement for MVP Eze. His role in red and white under Jarin, however, remains his most perfect fit. Advantage, San Beda Adamos 10-9 FINAL: 48-47 for Perps Adamos.....»»
K-Racs the glue that will hold together Coach Aldin s NCAA First 5
Aldin Ayo has been calling the shots for University of Sto. Tomas from 2018 to present. Before this, the always amiable mentor was at the helm of De La Salle University from 2016 to 2017. And before this, Coach Aldin was the head coach for alma mater Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 2015. Through all of that, he has had a hand in the discovery and the development of young talent for his teams as well as the game planning for the opposing rising stars. Among all of those, who are the best of the best for him? Here is Aldin Ayo's NCAA First 5, as he told ABS-CBN Sports: JIOVANI JALALON The Jalalon of 2015 was not yet the Jalalon of 2016 - you know, the one who drove Arellano University all the way to the Finals. Still, that younger Jalalon posed problems even for Coach Aldin and his "mayhem" in Letran. "A two-way player. He knows his role as a point guard," the latter said of the former. Jalalon's shine as a full-fledged superstar came in the season after Ayo left Intramuros, but the latter has always been a good judge of potential and saw just that in the former. SCOTTIE THOMPSON Unlike Jalalon, Thompson was already at the peak of his powers in Coach Aldin's one and only season in Letran. And so, the fiery tactician had a frontrow seat to the type of all-around impact University of Perpetual Help's proud product can have. "Very, versatile player plus good character," he said. Thompson fell short of winning a game against Coach Aldin's Knights, but without a doubt, the former won the admiration of the latter. KEVIN RACAL Racal does not necessarily get the shine that Mark Cruz - or Rey Nambatac, for that matter - does. However, it cannot be denied that the 6-foot-4 forward is the perfect personification of the versatility Coach Aldin seeks from his players. Whether it be defending Ola Adeogun, dogging Baser Amer, delivering an assist, or drilling a timely three, Racal can do it all - and he did it all to help Letran in its Cinderella run to the title. "He is a winner in all aspects," Ayo said. ART DELA CRUZ Adeogun was far from full strength, Amer got injured in the elimination round, and so, San Beda University's one and only constant was Art Dela Cruz. The do-it-all forward made his presence felt all over for the Red Lions and was the first and foremost reason why they stayed afloat despite the health of their other two big guns. In Dela Cruz, the red and white had, pretty much, what Coach Aldin had in Racal. "One of the most versatile players in college basketball. His basketball IQ is off the charts. He can be a point forward," the former Letran coach said. ALLWELL ORAEME Like all of the above, Oraeme can do damage both on offense and defense. "Rim protector on defense then on offense, he will be the recipient of the playmaking of Jalalon, Thompson, Racal, and Dela Cruz," Coach Aldin said, talking about the back-to-back MVP from Mapua University. Indeed, the Nigerian tower will not be forced to do much too much on offense with his four teammates all capable and confident of making plays - and will just expend his energy standing as a nightmare for opponents at the defensive end. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
It s a Muyang-Sangalang fearsome frontcourt in Coach Bonnie Tan s NCAA First 5
Bonnie Tan has been calling the shots for Colegio de San Juan de Letran from 2019 to present. Before this, the always amiable mentor was at the helm for Lyceum of the Philippines University from 2011 to 2013. Through all of that, he has had a hand in the discovery and the development of young talent for his teams as well as the game planning for the opposing rising stars. Among all of those, who are the best of the best for him? Here is Bonnie Tan's NCAA First 5, as he told ABS-CBN Sports: LARRY MUYANG Muyang is the first and foremost reason Letran could no longer be called undersized. The 6-foot-5 behemoth is the very definition of a paint presence and is the pillar of the Knights' legitimate contention. Former coach Jeff Napa recruited and returned Muyang's confidence - and he only became better in his first year under coach Bonnie. IAN SANGALANG Before Muyang, there was another Kapampangan who made a living at the post. Sangalang used all of his 6-foot-7 frame to will his way inside and win a championship and an MVP. From the other sidelines, Coach Bonnie had, without a doubt, more than a few headaches thanks to him. JERRICK BALANZA Balanza is the homegrown star turned head surgery survivor. Having gotten through a life-threatening operation, the 6-foot-2 swingman no longer had any fear once he was cleared to play again. And in his last year, he only inspired his teammates to be just as courageous - all the way to the championship. ROBERT BOLICK Bolick was the biggest thorn on the side of Letran in coach Bonnie's turn as team manager. In fact, the 6-foot-1 playmaker went undefeated against San Beda's archrival. And so, coach Bonnie is nothing but relieved that "Big Shot Bolick" is now his lead guard over at NorthPort. JIOVANI JALALON The reason Jalalon was dubbed as "Bus Driver" by ABS-CBN Sports analysts was because he took everybody to school. And on more than one occasion, coach Bonnie and his LPU teams were taken for a ride by the primetime playmaker. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Bolick missing good quality basketball between San Beda and LPU
Lyceum of the Philippines University was the biggest thorn of San Beda University during Robert Bolick's time playing for the latter. The Pirates and the Red Lions went at it in the Finals for back-to-back years - back-to-back years that coincided with Bolick's last years in red and white. Of course, San Beda won out both times. Still, the Red Lions were, most definitely, given a good run for their money. Not only that, most, if not all, of those games were neck-and-neck - and Bolick only has fond memories of all of them. "Yung pinakagusto ko sa games namin ng Lyceum, yung pinakahindi ko makakalimutan, yung laro namin, hindi dumi eh. Never kami nagsisikuhan, never kaming naggugulangan," he shared in his appearance on The Prospects Pod with LPU's CJ Perez. He then continued, "Pagalingan lang ng depensa, pagalingan lang kung paano mag-opensa." Indeed, the head-to-head record of the two teams was 5-3 in favor of San Beda. In the three games that went the Pirates' way, they won by an average of 4.7 points. For their part, the Red Lions' average winning margin was 10.4 points. In those eight games, the biggest win was 15 points by the red and white. All of them, apparently, remain must-see TV for Bolick even today. "Palagi ko nga pa ring inuulit sa YouTube. Sabi ko lagi, ang ganda talaga," he said. Up to now, "Big Shot Bolick" is in awe at how San Beda and LPU just tried to outdo each other without ever going overboard. As he put it, "Walang hawakan, dikdikan lang talaga. Good quality basketball talaga." He then continued, "Ang bilis nila tapos kami bagal-bagal yung laro. Ang sarap talaga." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Beast and Baby Beast together in Coach Topex s NCAA First 5
Topex Robinson has been calling the shots for Lyceum of the Philippines University from 2015 to present. Before this, the always amiable mentor was at the helm for San Sebastian College-Recoletos from 2011 to 2014. Through all of that, he has had a hand in the discovery and the development of young talent for his teams as well as the game planning for the opposing rising stars. Among all of those, who are the best of the best for him? Here is Topex Robinson's NCAA First 5, as he told ABS-CBN Sports: CJ PEREZ One phone call - one phone call was all it took for the tides to turn in favor of LPU. When Perez was looking to leave the nest of Ateneo de Manila University, he called one person and one person only - Coach Topex, who discovered and then developed him back in San Sebastian. The rest, as they say, is history as in the first year of their reunion, the 6-foot-2 guard was hailed as MVP all while the Pirates sailed to a historic Finals. CALVIN ABUEVA "The Beast" continued to be unleashed under the watchful eye of coach Topex. Already a force under then-coaches Ato Agustin and Turo Valenzona, Abueva stayed Abueva even as he did not replicate his MVP win in Season 87. And up until now, there is still no end-to-end force quite like one-third of the "Pinatubo Trio." IAN SANGALANG Another third of the "Pinatubo Trio," Sangalang had polished post moves from the moment he stepped into the collegiate ranks. He became an all-around player in his later years in San Sebastian, however, and much of that was thanks to the guidance of Coach Topex. The 6-foot-7 big man's MVP came in the season that went unfinished by Robinson, but there remains no doubt that the latter had a huge hand in the rise of the latter. ROBERT BOLICK LPU was woken up from its dream season in Season 93 by San Beda University - who else but dynastic San Beda University. In particular, it was Bolick who dashed their dreams, dropping seven of his 24 points in the last two minutes of Game 1 and delivering seven of his 22 markers in the last five minutes of Game 2. The only thing unfortunate about the Pirates' transformation into a powerhouse was that it just so coincided with the self-proclaimed bench player in De La Salle University's transformation into "Big Shot Bolick." RAYMOND ALMAZAN (Photo courtesy of Mark Cristino, ABS-CBN News) In the early 2010s, San Beda's challenger in the Finals was either San Sebastian or Colegio de San Juan de Letran. In the same time that Baste was the stage for the "Pinatubo Trio," Letran was home to tantalizing talents such as Kevin Alas, Rey Guevarra, and RJ Jazul. Among them, though, it was only the 6-foot-8 Almazan who stood out enough to be recognized as MVP - and his two-way impact throughout his collegiate career has most definitely not gone unnoticed by opposing coaches. --- Coach Topex did not go into detail as to why he went with these five players. In general, though, he said that these five are "for a fact, the best that the NCAA has produced in the last 10 years." Even better, Robinson said that all of Perez, Abueva, Sangalang, Bolick, and Almazan are, at present, keeping at proving his point as stars in the PBA. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»