Red Lions, Bolick out to thwart title pretenders

San Beda College guard Robert Bolick is bracing for the toughest season of his collegiate career as the Red Lions defend their crown in NCAA Season 94 starting July 7 at Mall of Asia Arena.

Speaking after the Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Basketball Awards on Thursday night at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila, Bolick expects the rest of the NCAA field to go all out to unseat the Lions who are gunning for an 11th crown in 13 seasons.

“Some of the players who were out last season to serve residency will play this time,” said Bolick, who received the Player of the Year award.

The Lions trained early this month in Florida under coach Ganon Baker in preparation for the season. But coach Boyet Fernandez, named Coach of the Year by scribes who covered the league last season, said their buildup has been hampered by injuries to key players.

“We’re prepared for more challenges,” said Fernandez.

Alvin Pasaol of University of the East was also named Breakout player of the Year.