92nd NCAA men’s basketball Knights open title defense vs Lions

Games today (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 - An early face-off of last year’s title contenders will highlight the start of the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament today at the MOA Arena in Pasay.

Letran seeks to kick off its title-retention drive against last year’s losing finalist and former champion San Beda at 2 p.m. Last season’s Final Four qualifiers Mapua and Jose Rizal University collide at 4 p.m.

An elaborate opening ceremony, anchored on  the season’s theme “Sports Builds Character; Achieving Breakthrough @ Season 92” and directed by Douglas Nierras, provides the fitting start to what promises to be an exciting season with all 10 teams capable of breaking into the Final Four.

Still, focus will be on last season’s top four squads with the Knights hard-pressed to score a repeat sans two of their stalwarts and their coach.

But Jeff Napa, who steered National U to three UAAP high school crowns before taking over Aldin Ayo’s post, remains upbeat of their chances with holdovers Rey Nambatac, McJour Luib, Jomari Sollano, Bong Guinto and Jerrick Balanza expected to anchor their back-to-back title drive.

“We made some changes in the system but the only thing that hasn’t changed is the team’s heart and will to win,” said Napa, adding that there will be no star players in his squad.

“We have leaders, but no superstars,” he said.

While the Knights lost their two best players in Kevin Racal and Mark Cruz, who are now in the pros, the Lions parted ways with four aces, namely Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Arthur dela Cruz and Ryusei Koga.

But with the acquisition of Robert Bolick Jr., a transferee from La Salle, Fil-Am Davon Potts and Arnaud Noah, and athletic big man from Cameroon backing up Donald Tankoua at the post, the Red Lions remain a serious contender.

Dan Sara was named team captain while Jayvee Mocon and shooter AC Soberano are expected to play bigger, tougher roles this year.

“We’ll try to make up with our lack of height with speed and shooting,” said SBC coach Jamike Jarin.

Meanwhile, the Bombers and the Cardinals have kept almost intact rosters, making them early favorites to contend for the championship this season.

Jose Rizal retained 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 his wards played just one pre-season tournament, the Fr. Martin Cup, last summer, making the Bombers keen for the tougher matches.

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

Meanwhile, the league will honor the late great Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga, whose number 14 jersey he wore when he played for San Beda in the 50s will be retired.

The other teams seeing action are St. Benilde Blazers, Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, Lyceum Pirates, Perpetual Help Altas, San Sebastian College Stags and the Arellano U Chiefs.

NCAA coaches have actually picked the Chiefs as the team to beat owing to their impressive campaign during the pre-season that saw them top four tournaments, including two in the Fr. Martin Cup, and finishing second to La Salle in the Filoil Flying V Cup.

The Chiefs and the Altas collide at 12 noon in Sunday’s triple-bill that also features the Stags-Blazers duel at 2 p.m. and the Generals-Pirates clash at 4 p.m.