INQUIRER Sports

THE SUCCESSOR OF retiring San Beda high school coach Ato Badolato will inherit a formidable lineup, which seems poised for another successful title run in the NCAA next season.

With Finals MVP Baser Amer still playing next year, the Red Cubs are fancied to achieve a title repeat and tie Mapua for the league record of 18 championships.

Badolato left the Red Cubs a champion after San Beda completed a 2-1 finals series victory over Letran for the juniors basketball crown last Thursday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The title, the first since 2005, was Badolato’s 16th in 37 years at the helm of the school that has produced stars like Benjie Paras, Chito Loyzaga, Boybits Victoria, Renren Ritualo, Ronnie Magsanoc, JV Casio, LA Tenorio, Magnum Membrere, Ford Arao and RP Under-16 coach Eric Altamirano.

Brit Reroma has been tipped to replace Badolato next season.

“But I will still be around as team consultant, I will be there for the team but not in the same capacity as before,” said Badolato.

The 5-foot-10 Amer, a recruit from Davao City, who was named Rookie of the Year, saved his best performance for the finals, where he averaged 26 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

“He (Amer) is a talented and very special player, we knew he would make a big impact on his first year in the league and he didn’t disappoint us,” said Badolato.

Amer highlighted his rookie season with a 39-point performance in the Game 2 loss. In Game 3, the crafty guard struck 17 of his 21 points in the first three periods to put the Cubs comfortably ahead heading into the final period.

The 17-year-old Amer will be the main man for the Cubs next season with seniors Arthur dela Cruz, Marc Ludovice and Roldan Sara no longer around. Also returning are promising forward Adam Abatayo, Al Gotladera and Chris Javier.

Abatayo showed flashes of brilliance in the title-clinching 86-75 victory with 15 points and five rebounds, while Gotladera chipped in seven points and 11 boards.