NCAA finals scenarios

Maybe some of you won’t like my personal views regarding the NCAA Finals between defending champion San Beda College and Letran. But these are the possible things that could happen whether you like it or not.

Both teams met 57 years ago. And if you compare the era between 1957 to 2007. They are totally different. Although most of us don’t know what happened in the last 57 years when San Beda and Letran collided.

San Beda won the 1957 NCAA title with the legendary Caloy Loyzaga leading the pack.

Now, let’s get back to the present – the NCAA 83rd season. Actually, there are two worst case scenarios in the championship.

San Beda, considered the most heavily-favored team in the Finals series, is definitely the league’s Goliath – a powerful giant who can break the Knights’ armor to retain the title.

But there is an old saying: “the bigger you are, the harder you fall.” What if, Letran is the league’s David?

The Knights might consider this aspect: San Beda is not a threat too big to hit, but a target too big to miss!

Most of the time, it is not the situation that is complicated… It is the way we see things that matter. And sometimes in can determine the victor.

There is no doubt that the Red Lions is expected to count on pro-bound Yousif Aljamal. How can you question Aljamal’s capacity?

He was the Red Lions’ leading scorer with 16.9 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game average by the end of the elimination round.

Then Samuel Ekwe, the last year’s rookie-MVP, is also there providing the bulk and heft. He is San Beda’s main defender in the paint – he scores, blocks and rebounds.

Ekwe ended the elimination round averaging 14.6 points, 16.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game 11 games.

Brave and bold Rogemar Menor has shown maturity since the season started and it looks like he is going to take the leadership position next season without Aljamal.

In 12 games this season, he improved his last year’s output 7.8 to 13.4 points per game. He is described by head coach Frankie Lim as the squad’s spark-plug.

Guard John Paul Escobal, the Red Lions’ hotshot, is the team’s best offensive player who can shoot or attack the basket. He averaged 13.4 points per game in 12 outings this season.

But don’t count out the other members – Bam Gamalinda, Raymond Maggay, Dave Marcelo, Borgie Hermida, Jay-R Taganas and Garvo Lanete, among others.

Without them, San Beda would not end on top at 11-1.

The Final Four series turned out to be a ‘warm up’ session for the Red Lions. You saw what happened, they easily dumped the Cardinals, 74-64 despite Frankie’s post game comments last the last time. But it could also happen to Letran in two games. Letran could become the lonely Knights.

But Louie Alas has his own ace in Rafael Jazul, an MVP contender this season. He has proven that he can take over in big games. Jazul finished 12 games with an average of 16.1 points per game.

Dino Daa, averaging 10.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, is also expected to come out strong against San Beda. Bryan Faundo, with an 11.3 points and 8.1 rebound average, is a reliable force to reckon with.

John Melegrito, Raymark Gutilban, Andro Quinday, John Cabonce and Carlo Reposar, will definitely to step up for Letran.

In fact, it is not Letran’s offensive awareness that worries Frankie Lim but its paralyzing defense which limits opposing teams below 60 points.

I know you will say maybe to all teams except San Beda, but let’s see.

Letran defeated San Beda last July 25, 70-69. But the Red Lions came back strong to even their elimination round series in their second meeting last August 31, 87-84.

It’s a tie for both of them. And the series remain unpredictable. Though San Beda has the upper-hand to keep the crown, but Letran has the edge to dethrone the reigning champion.

Let’s support our respective team peacefully by watching the game on September 19.

God Bless you all and see you at the games.