INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Three-time defending champion San Beda remains the heavy favorite with Jose Rizal U and San Sebastian considered as the main threats to the Lions’ stranglehold in the 85th NCAA Season that kicks off Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“They are almost shoo-ins to the Final Four,” said Letran coach Louie Alas referring to the Lions, Bombers and Stags.

Coaches Nomar Isla of Emilio Aguinado College, Eric Gascon of Angeles University Foundation and Junjie Ablan of Arellano University agreed with Alas, saying San Beda, JRU and San Sebastian are loaded with deep and talented rosters.

Alas noted that his team, Mapua, Arellano, Perpetual Help and St. Benilde are expected to fight it out for the remaining semifinal slot.

The Lions bagged the crown at the expense of the Bombers last year, but three key players from that champion squad, including Most Valuable Player Sam Ekwe, are no longer around this season.

“We lost three players from our starting five last season,” said newly installed skipper Bam Gamalinda, who is expected to lead the squad along with holdovers Jake Pascual, Borgie Hermida and Dave Marcelo. “But we had positive results after our training in the United States last summer.”

Literally the biggest addition to the Lions’ fold is 6-foot-7 American Sudan Daniel, who spent the previous season complying with the residency requirement.

The Heavy Bombers will parade an almost intact lineup from last season, where they registered a tournament-high eight-game winning streak.

“It’s easier said than done,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia, whose squad is hoping to break a 37-year title drought.

“A lot of people were saying that we are the favorites but then we lost to San Sebastian during the preseason.”

San Sebastian narrowly missed out on the Final Four last season, but hoping to bounce back this year under new coach Ato Agustin and newcomers Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual.