With NCAA Season 101 fast approaching, let’s see how each team will fare in the standings before the season officially opens tomorrow, Oct. 1.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers
Previous Standings: 1st runner-up
The Benilde Blazers have made their statement in the past seasons, showing everyone that they are a championship contender. Being a consistent podium finisher in the last three seasons is not an easy feat. Despite an impressive run in the elimination round, the Taft Squad has yet to clinch the elusive crown.
Major Losses: Mark Sangco and Paul Turco
The departure of former team captain Mark Sangco and big man Paul Turco left a gap in leadership and front court match-ups. The duo held crucial roles in the Taft Squad’s NCAA Season 100 run, making their exit a costly move for the team.
Key Additions: Shawn Umali, Raffy Celis, SJ Moore, Jake Gaspay, and Bonn Daja
The Benilde Blazers were already cooking their new arsenal since last season, with a number of transferees serving residency on the sidelines. A much-awaited weapon in Shawn Umali is expected to be a major offensive and defensive boost for the team. Raffy Celis and SJ Moore are also expected to lead the front court with their exceptional athleticism and size. An agile Jake Gaspay will also add depth in the big-man pool of the Blazers, while Bonn Daja will be the newly trusted spot-up shooter.
Prediction: Champions
With a mix of outstanding talents and experience among players and the coaching staff, the Benilde Blazers have all they need to grab the NCAA Season 101 title. Reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag with the other Blazers’ core players such as Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa are expected to give the team a high chance of claiming the Blazers’ first NCAA championship since 2002. Together with new reinforcements, Coach Charles Tiu’s squad might give everyone in the league a run of their money.
Mapua University (MU) Cardinals
Previous Standings: Champions
The Mapua Cardinals made history in the centennial edition of the NCAA by ending the university’s 33-year championship drought by sweeping the top-seeded Benilde Blazers in the finals.
Major Losses: Chris Hubilla, Lawrence Mangubat
Losing NCAA Season 100 Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year Chris Hubilla to the Heavy Bombers and their reliable guard in Lawrence Mangubat is a heavy blow. Their absence leaves a glaring void for the Cardinals as they aim to replicate the success of the previous season.
Key Additions: Drex Delos Reyes, Cyril Gonzales, Basti Reyes, and Icee Callangan
A mix of transferees and rookies will be bolstering the defending champions. 6-foot-8 Drex Delos Reyes will add much needed depth to Mapua’s frontcourt, while Cyril Gonzales is returning to the Cardinals’ nest. In addition, 6-foot-8 big man Basti Reyes together with Perpetual Junior Altas’ playmaker Icee Callangan will provide fresh energy to the experienced Mapua squad.
Prediction: First Runner Up
Despite the loss of key players, Mapua still has their main man in Clint Escamis, who is widely regarded as the best player in the league. The void left by the departure of key players in Season 100 have been filled by the promise of new ones and a stronger frontcourt, making Mapua a team to watch out for during the upcoming season.
Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Knights
Previous Standings: 6th
A major shift in the coaching staff led to the redevelopment of the Letran Knights. The team promised a new potential that can disrupt the league in the upcoming seasons. However, without the expected service of the prodigy guard Jonathan Manalili and unfortunate late-season mishaps, the Letran squad couldn’t secure a spot in the final four.
Major Losses: Pao Javillonar
The pesky Pao Javillonar has hung up his jersey after a complete 5-year run with the Knights. Being the last season’s team captain and most seasoned veteran, the Knights definitely lost a significant talent and leader.
Key Additions: Jonathan Manalili, Mark Omega, Jun Roque
The Letran Knights took advantage of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Altas’ exodus of players, acquiring notable players in Mark Omega and Jun Roque. Omega and Roque are now expected to add their bags in the talent-laden Knights. This season will also be the debut of Jonathan Manalili, an upcoming rookie with loads of expectations on his shoulders mainly due to his success in high school basketball.
Prediction: 3rd
A good mixture of old and new faces will help the Letran Knights in reclaiming their old glory. Now that Coach Allen Ricardo already discovered his teams’ ins and outs, expect the Knights to have a major leap forward from their past performance.
San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions
Previous Standings: 2nd Runner Up
Despite a strong showing in the elimination round, the Red Lions fell short in their bid for a back-to-back championship after succumbing to the Benilde Blazers in the semi finals.
Major Losses: James Payosing
The Red Lions are heading into Season 101 without James Payosing, Season 99 Finals MVP, due to his transfer to the University of the Philippines during the offseason.
Key Additions: Janti Miller, Zedjay Etulle
The addition of 6-foot-4 Filipino-American guard Janti Miller and 3x3 Gilas player Zedjay Etulle adds more depth to San Beda. Both players fit well in the team’s system and have performed well in their pre-season campaign, proving to be solid additions to the roster.
Prediction: 4th
Despite the potential of the San Beda, their preseason performance showed that they still need more time to develop their chemistry and be more effective as a unit. Nevertheless, the Red Lions have the potential to reestablish their status as the top team in the league with a combination of veterans and experienced new players.
Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates
Previous Standings: 4th Place
The Lyceum Pirates are coming off another Final Four finish in Season 100 but will now be navigating a major transition. Following the departure of several key veterans, the Pirates are looking to lean on their returning core and a batch of fresh faces to keep their edge alive in Season 101.
Major Losses: Greg Cunanan
The loss of team captain and long-time guard Greg Cunanan as he finished his last playing year leaves big shoes to fill for Coach Gilbert Malabanan.
Key Additions: Lance Aurige, Jovan Abregana, Charles Dural, Jasper Matienzo, Jethro Reyes, and Richmond Casiño
In place of the veterans, Lyceum bolstered its size with multiple recruits in the 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-5 range, giving them added flexibility in the frontcourt. Lance Aurigue and Charles Dural are expected to be immediate contributors, while Matienzo and Reyes provide developmental upside.
Prediction: 5th
Despite the roster turnover, Lyceum remains dangerous with scoring leader John Barba, steady guard Renz Villegas, and veteran Genesis Aviles and Gyle Montaño still in the fold. However, the loss of their proven veterans and go-to guys may keep them outside the Final four picture this season.
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Altas
Previous Standings: 7th
Season 100 proved to be challenging for the Perpetual Altas as they struggled with consistency and stability, contributing to their failure to secure a spot in the Final Four. Nevertheless, super rookie Mark Gojo Cruz emerged as a star in his debut season as the team’s top scorer.
No Major Losses
Key Additions: JD Pagulayan, Jan Roluna, Jericho Cristina, Patrick Sleat, and LA Casinillo
Defending NCAA Juniors champions JD Pagulayan, Mythical Five member Jan Roluna, and Most Improved Player Jericho Cristina move up with Perpetual in the college division, adding size and fresh energy to the Altas’ line up. In addition, former Far Eastern University Tamaraw guard Patrick Sleat and former National University Bulldog guard LA Casinillo will provide experience and veteran knowledge to the team.
Prediction: 6th
A revamped and deep roster might just be the key for the Perpetual Altas to contend better in the upcoming season. However, they will need to find ways to be more consistent after a streaky performance in Season 100.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals
Previous Standings: 5th
No one should underestimate the EAC Generals and they’ve proven it time and again. Despite just closely missing out on a Final Four spot, they have proven themselves as tough competitors in the league.
Major Losses: King Gurtiza, Harvey Pagsanjan, and Axel Doromal
The Generals are marching into Season 101 without their cornerstone and leader in King Gurtiza who averaged 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. Harvey Pagsanjan, on the other hand, averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals, while Axel Doromal provided a stable presence for EAC as a reliable guard. All three took their final playing year in Season 100 and have moved up to the professional ranks.
Key Additions: EJ Castillo, Jacob Shanoda, and Oman Omandac
Junior standout EJ Castillo, who averaged 18.89 points, 5.11 rebounds, 3.44 assists, 1.67 steals, moved up with the Generals in the seniors rank. In addition, former San Sebastian Golden Stag Jacob Shanoda and former LPU Pirate Oman Omandac are set to make their debut in Generals gear after a year of residency.
Prediction: 7th
Despite the presence of seasoned veterans and promising recruits, the departure of Gurtiza and Pagsanjan are great losses for EAC. Nevertheless, key holdovers like Kyle Ochavo and Nico Quinal together with their new, promising recruits look to turn things around this season and secure the Generals’ first Final Four appearance.
Arellano University (AU) Chiefs
Previous Standings: 7th
The Chiefs leaned on size and experience to stay competitive. Anchored by rim protectors Joshua Dela Cruz and John Lorenz Capulong, they held their own in the paint, but inconsistent offense kept them in the lower half of the standings.
Major Losses: John Lorenz Capulong, Joshua Dela Cruz, Xander Estacio, Andrei de Leon, Karl Flores, and Bryan Rosalin.
John Lorenz Capulong and Joshua Dela Cruz were the team’s defensive anchors, controlling the boards, protecting the rim, and altering shots inside. Their absence leaves a major void in defense and shot blocking, forcing Arellano to rely on a smaller frontcourt.
Key Additions: Anjord Cabotaje, Dominic Dayrit, Giraud Ian Demetria, Matthew Jeremy Langit, and Charles Justin Libang.
Anjord Cabotage supplies wing scoring and outside shooting, while Matthew Jeremy Langit injects speed and energy at guard. Dominic Dayrit provides the toughness Arellano needs to cover for the loss of Capulong and Dela Cruz, and Charles Justin Libang offers the frontcourt versatility with his length and athleticism.
Prediction: 8th
Basti Valencia’s promotion to captain brings added leadership and stability to the team. The returning veterans will continue to provide experience across all positions. Despite roster stability, the Chiefs face tough competition from stacked squads in Season 101. Their combination of experience and leadership could help them secure key victories, but breaking into the top half standings will require cohesion, consistency, and standout performances from their returning core.
San Sebastian College Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags
Previous Standings: 9th
The Golden Stags struggled through Season 100, often finding themselves at the lower end of the standings. Despite their ranking, they were known as giant slayers who never backed down until the final buzzer. With a mix of returning veterans and high-profile additions, SSC-R aims to climb the ranks in Season 101.
Major Losses: Paeng Are, Raymart Escobido, and Reggz Gabat
The departure of star Paeng Are and veteran guards Raymart Escobido and Reggz Gabat leave gaps in the Stag’s scoring and rotation. Are averaged 17.88 points, 4.24 rebounds, 4.35 assists, and 2.53 assists. He forwent his final playing year in order to play professionally, while Escobido and Gabat took their last playing year in Season 100. Replacing their experience and court leadership will be one of Coach Labagala’s main challenges.
Key Additions: Ian Cuajao, Jaime Gomez De Liaño, Jevy Hinoguin, Gab Napacena, Jhuniel Dela Rama, Thomas Pillado, and Head Coach Rob Labagala
SSC-R bolstered their roster with size, athleticism, and skill. Jaime Gomez De Liaño brings immediate frontcourt impact, while Jhuniel Dela Rama and Jevy Hinoguin provide depth and versatility in the court. The addition of Coach Rob Labagala introduces a fresh system and renewed direction for the team.
Prediction: 9th
The Golden Stags enter a rebuilding phase, integrating fresh talent under a new coaching system. Chemistry and experience will take time to develop, and SSC-R may still face an uphill battle. Even so, the combination of veteran players like Paeng Are and high-upside recruits should help the team complete and challenge higher-ranked opponents.
Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers
Previous Standings: 10th
The Heavy Bombers struggled throughout Season 100, often finding themselves outmatched by experienced and deeper squads. While they showed flashes of promise, particularly from young guards and wing players, JRU had difficulty sustaining consistent offense and defensive intensity. The lack of depth and experience kept them at the bottom of the standings, highlighting areas in need of reinforcement for the upcoming season.
Major Losses: Mart Barrera, Joshua Guiab, and Marj De Leon
The Heavy Bombers lost several key contributors who provided both experience and scoring, leaving a noticeable gap in their backcourt and wing rotation. Mart Barrera’s leadership and playmaking were vital to the team’s offensive flow, while Joshua Guiab and Marj De Leon offered scoring punch and defensive versatility. Their departures mean that the team will need other players to step up immediately to fill not only the void but also the leadership and on-court presence these veterans provided.
Key Additions: Paul Enal, Sanlea Peñaverde, and Sean Salvador
The team infused new energy with promising players. The rookie tandem of Sanlea Peñaverde and Sean Salvador makes JRU a promising squad—a must-watch duo this season. The blend of young talent and returning players aims to stabilize the rotation and improve overall performance.
Prediction: 10th
While the Heavy Bombers have promising additions, the team will likely need time to develop chemistry and consistency. Breaking out of the bottom spot will depend on contributions from both veterans and newcomers throughout the season.
