10th NAASCU Season Preview:SSC & UM

Back to Back Baycats

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE RECOLETOS DE CAVITE BAYCATS

9^TH SEASON: CHAMPION , won over University of Manila 2-0 in the finals

HEAD COACH: EGAY MACARAYA, 5^TH Season as SSC-R Head Coach

HOLDOVERS: (9)

Bryan Filio, Raymond Alcasabas, Lloyd Pono, Rhey ATANGAN, Carlo Reyes, Jem Callado, Howard Pantonia, Jeoff Acain, Aeron Dela Cruz

NEW FACES: (7)

Al Francis Tamsi, June Nistal, Ephraim Monzon, Cliford Castro, Bryan Dagohoy, Ivan Yurong,Emmanuel Pupos,

NOT RETURNING: (7)

Kris Lucernas, Jun Gracillas, Jeric Basa, Lyle Antipuesto, RJ Escobal, Josef Pasagui, Rommel Alcasabas,

KEY CHANGES

The Past two years saw the Baycats Lord it over as their unselfish style of play and merciless defense took the league by storm. Gone are 2008 MVP Kris Lucernas and 2009 MVP Jun Gracillas. To lead the team is senior guard Raymond Alcasabas who is a Jun Gracillas clone and is ready to take the team to its third straight title. The middle is suspect but adequate since the Baycats have loads of inexperienced big men to clog the middle- this year will be a learning experience for them.

FORECAST

The Baycats have an abundance of able guards who will pressure you for you to commit a turnover and for their team to score easy points off the break. The main issue for the Baycats is their quite young frontline. Veterans Howard Pantonia and Jeoff Acain are role players but could be forced into the limelight once needed.

Defense was the key to the Baycats back to back title romp and defense will still be the key for them to move forward since a lot of their veterans have graduated. Since the departure of the two league MVPs of the team, Coach Egay Macaraya has made sure that the expectations for each player to play solid ball pressure for 40 minutes remain unchanged.

the return of the Hawks

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA HAWKS

9^TH SEASON: 2^nd PLACE, lost to San Sebastian College 2-0 in the finals.

HEAD COACH: Jojo Castillo, 2^nd Season as UM Head Coach

HOLDOVERS: (8)

Jayson Ibay, Reigner Macasaet, JayAr Manuel, Jhunrhe Patricio, Justin Sanguyo, Kevin Rabalo, Edwin Tamayo, Jeff Viernes

NEW FACES: (9)

Alvin Almario, Jerry Ancheta, Alain Bonleon, Nuevo Bonchurno, Rhandelle Colina, Janno Nuñez,Edmar Pateño, , Juan Tan, Eugene Torres,

NOT RETURNING: (10)

John Matubang, Ryeon delos Trinos, Reyner Sadsad, Fernando Jacob, Francis Jacob, , Kendrick Basan, , RJ Mallada, Aldwin Ferrer, Richard Angeles, James Castillejos

KEY CHANGES

The Hawks are big, strong and fast. When driving to the lane when they are on defense is just like bumping to a big tree – it’s next to impossible to make a basket. Their brand of play is reminiscent of the Detroit Pistons. Strong and sturdy nonsense brand of play with excellent defense specially in the post. Gone is do it all forward John Matubang and in his place are rookie veterans who are ready to strut their wares. Look for the Hawks to be impenetrable for forty minutes.

FORECAST

The Hawks are one of the favorites this year and they are out to seek lost glory. The team will be led by second year point guard Jeff Viernes who was the rookie sensation last year who man handled all the veteran point guards. If not for cramps, he might have lifted the Hawks to the title last year as he scattered 35 points as he single handedly revived the hopes of the Hawks in the finals. Helping him out are a string of big men in Jay-R Manuel, Edwin Tamayo and Jayson Ibay. Look for the Hawks to clear up the skies once more.