San Beda, Lyceum early favorites ahead of NCAA Season 93
Defending champion San Beda remains as the team to beat in the coming NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament.
But for returning coach Boyet Fernandez, he knows that the Red Lions are facing a tall order in retaining their championship given that the rest of the league has gotten stronger.
“We’re in for a tough season because our opponents have gotten better. It will be tough for me,” Fernandez said, as the Lions gun for their 21st overall title.
In assessing the rest of the field, Fernandez believes that Lyceum is going to be the one that would give San Beda fits.
“Basing on the Filoil tournament last week, I think Lyceum did a good job in the preseason,” he said.
And the other mentors agreed, noting that the Pirates are no doubt the dark horses this season, thanks largely to their success in the summer leagues.
“Lyceum is number one. They’re all team to beat, but I guess Lyceum will always be there,” noted San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya.
“Lyceum is going to be tough,” said Perpetual coach Jimwell Gican.
“Lyceum has had a good development from last year and they’ve had a great run in the preseason,” JRU assistant coach Vic Lazaro said.
However, Pirates coach Topex Robinson said he’s taking it all in stride as he seeks to meet the early expectations handed upon his squad.
“It’s an equal opportunity. All of us prepared well on putting the pressure on us, and we have every reason to feel so. But the way I see it, it’s still an even playing field for me,” he said.
Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera, meanwhile, thinks it will be an open race for the last three slots in the Final Four, with favorite San Beda a lock to make it to the semifinals.
“It’s open. San Beda will be there, so the second to fourth places will be open,” he said.
Letran coach Jeff Napa hopes to pull off a few surprises.
“You know the ones that are favored. For us, we just want to surprise them in the end.”
The latest season tips off on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena, with host San Sebastian taking on San Beda in the curtain raiser before Mapua and Arellano clash in the second game.
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