By MARK REY MONTEJO
New season, same mentality for San Beda as it defends its crown when NCAA Season 100 fires off this weekend at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With all of the teams eager to topple the Red Lions, new captain Yukien Andrada said they will try to stick with the mindset that led them to their 23rd overall crown in the grand old league.
Hopefully, they will have the same result at the end of the competition.
Out to test their readiness on opening day is Lyceum, a team that gotten off to a hot start only to fall twice to the Red Lions in the semis.
“Yes of course, ganun parin ‘yong gigil, kasi marami din kaming mga key players na nawala rin, pero itong mga bago naming papapasok magagaling din talaga,” said the 4th-year Marketing management student.
“Pero I think there’s still a lot of work to do and we’re still in that underdog mentality, hindi kami pwedeng maging too complacent porket nag-champion na kami.”
Taking the role left by Pater Alfaro, Andrada is now feeling the pressure being one of seniors left in the team with the departure of Clifford Jopia, Alex Visser, Damie Cuntapay, John Gallego, Cyrus Lllarena, and Jacob Cortez.
“Syempre as one of the youngest team captains dito sa NCAA malaking pressure din sakin ‘yon, I’m just doing my best, my coaches are helping me also how to lead the team,” added Andrada.
“And meron din naman akong kasamang mga veterans, hindi lang naman ako, porket ako ‘yong team captain ako lang magle-lead sa team namin, may mga katulong din ako,” he added.
The 6-foot-5 forward also shared how they prepared for the season, including competing abroad to enhance the team’s chemistry since almost half of the team members are newcomers.
“During those tournaments and training namin abroad, malaking bagay sa preparation namin this coming NCAA season. Kasi I feel like na mas nabuo ‘yong chemistry namin as a team,” said Andrada.
“Not only on the basketball court, pero off the basketball court din.”
