By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion San Beda University knew full well that it has the target on its back and it is expecting an even bigger and tougher challenge when the Red Lions open their title defense in the curtain raiser of the NCAA Centennial Season on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After defying all odds to reclaim and hoist their 23rd overall crown in Season 99, all eyes are certainly on the Red Lions – something that head coach Yuri Escueta already anticipated and admitted was inevitable.
“Ako as a coach, of course, expecting the worst. Tingin ko magiging ganun as the game progresses, marami kaming bad experiences. I’m sure may ups and downs kami,” said Escueta before the start of NCAA’s press conference at MOA Coral Way Lobby Tuesday, Sept. 3.
“So just like last year, hopefully, we get better as the games (progress) and sana, pinagdadasal ko na we peak at the right time,” he continued.
Escueta also underscored that the Red Lions must learn to embrace the difficult task of defending the title, noting it was a privilege to have that type of pressure.
“Winning the championship last year, we know how teams would always go hard against us,” he continued. “And it’s a privilege for us that other teams respect ‘yong team namin every time we play.”
The Red Lions, along with other semifinalists in the last edition take the spotlight with San Beda squaring off against Lyceum at 2:30 p.m. while Mapua and College of St.Benilde tussle at 5 p.m.
An opening ceremony will first kick off at 12 noon where NCAA’s sports greats and Olympians are to be honored as a part of the league’s celebration for its historic year.
“It’s going to be an exciting and historic year for the NCAA,” said Commissioner Ogie Bernarte.
New faces are mostly suiting up for San Beda as most of its seniors have already completed their playing years including former captain Peter Alfaro. Star guard Jacob Cortez, meanwhile, had departed the team and transferred to La Salle in UAAP.
With key players’ departure, Yukien Andrada takes on the mantle as the captain of the Red Lions as he hopes to lead the new-look San Beda alongside other holdovers in the team/
“Siyempre, as one of the young team captains sa NCCA, malaking pressure din sa akin yan. I’m just doing my best and my coaches are helping me also to lead the team,” said Andrada.
“Mayroon din akong mga kasamang veterans na nag-lead sa team din namin.
Ito dila Emmanuel Tagle, Joshua Tagala, AJ Royo. Hindi lang naman ako yung team captain, ako lang yung mag-lead sa team namin.”
