Knights, Lions rekindle title rivalry as NCAA 92 unfolds

Games Saturday

(MOA Arena, Pasay City)

12:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies

2 p.m. – San Beda vs Letran (srs)

4 p.m. – Mapua vs Jose Rizal (srs)

MANILA, Philippines – Letran seeks to jumpstart its bid for a second straight title while San Beda aims to regain its championship foothold as the two collide even last year's Final Four qualifiers Mapua and Jose Rizal try to prove their true worth by clashing in Saturday's start of the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Knights and the Lions collide at 2 p.m., just one and a half hours before the 12:30 p.m. opening ceremony directed by Douglas Nierras and centered on this season's theme: "Sports Builds Character; Achieving Breakthrough @ Season 92" while the Cardinals and the Bombers tackle each other at 4 p.m.

Letran will be eyeing a repeat after beating and denying San Beda an unprecedented six-peat feat in last year's epic finale that went the full three-game route although it would have to do it minus its old coach Aldin Ayo, who is now with La Salle, and former leaders Kevin Racal and Mark Cruz, who are now in the pros.

Jeff Napa, who steered National U to three UAAP high school crowns, has succeeded Ayo while the team has moved on after remnants Rey Nambatac, McJour Luib, Jomari Sollano, Bong Guinto and Jerrick Balanza have embraced a bigger role this year.

"There were some changes in the system. The only thing that hasn't changed is the team's heart and will to win," said Napa.

Napa also assured there will be no star players in his team.

"We have leaders, but no superstars," he said.

While the Knights lost their two best players, the Lions parted ways with four – Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Arthur dela Cruz and Ryusei Koga – and left the team as smaller and less experienced.

The addition of Robert Bolick, Jr., a transferee from La Salle, Fil-Am Davon Potts and Arnaud Noah, a small but athletic and lightning-quick big man from Cameroon who will back up Donald Tankoua up front, should help fill the vacuum.

Dan Sara was named team captain while Jayvee Mocon and lights out shooter AC Soberano will have bigger roles this year.

"We'll try to make up with our lack of height with speed and shooting," said Jarin.

The Bombers and the Cardinals have kept an almost intact line up and were tipped to challenge for the crown this season.

Jose Rizal retained all its core headed by Tey Tey Teodoro, Abdoul Poutouochi, Cris Jordan dela Paz, John Pontejos and AbdulRazak AbdulWahab while Mapua made up for the departure of Josan Nimes and Andretti Stevens with the return of Andrew Estrella and Joseph Eriobu.

Reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme will also be back for the Cardinals alongside CJ Isit, Exeqiuel Biteng, Darrel Mennina, Justin Serrano and Denniel Aguirre.

"We're happy with our development as a team," said Mapua coach Atoy Co.

Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses said they played just one pre-season tournament, the Fr. Martin Cup, last summer to rest his players.

"We all know we have a long NCAA season and I want everyone fresh come NCAA," said Meneses.

Meanwhile, the league will also honor the late great Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga, whose number 14 he used when he played for San Beda in the 50s will be retired for making the country proud in world competitions.

And then it's going to be war.