MANILA, Philippines – Moments after subduing the Arellano U Braves to clinch their seventh straight NCAA championship, the San Beda Cubs are setting their sights on extending their reign for another year.
And also the next one.
Triumphant San Beda coach JB Sison said they will keep the same title-winning core for the next two years because of K-12, the government's newly implemented education system that extended high school education from four to six years.
"Except for one, all my players are Grade 10 so we will have an intact line up for the next two years," said San Beda coach JB Sison, who was responsible for the last three of the league record seven straight titles and a league-best 22nd overall.
It means the same winning cast headed by recently named Finals MVP Evan Nelle will return the next two seasons, which means the Cubs would be heavy favorites to extend their reign for at least two more years.
But Sison don't want to think that ahead.
"Well, it's a process. This year, we took it one day at a time and we will do the same in the next season and the seasons after it," said Sison.
Nelle was the biggest factor in the series, stepping up in the most critical times to help San Beda win it all.
Sison said it could have been anyone from his well-balanced squad.
"What's good about this team is that there are really no superstars. Whoever has a good game and steps up will get the minutes they deserve," said Sison. "You can choose any Finals MVP because the contributions were well-spread."