Around GMA

Article Inside Page

In June, the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA announced its plan to start Season 96 in the early months of 2021.

No exact date has been mentioned as of the moment given the lingering threats of COVID-19.

What we know though is that the country's oldest athletic league will be aired via GMA News TV and on the network's other platforms including GMA-7 and GMA Pinoy TV.

Basketball is one of NCAA's most-watched sports and it never fails to draw cheers and excitement from fans every year.

If last year's roller-coaster season is any indication, then Season 96 promises to be another explosive and unpredictable affair.

Here are just some of the key factors and twists to look out for heading to Season 96.

All-Filipino

The NCAA board has decided to ban foreign nationals from playing in the league starting Season 96. The rationale is that imports give a team an unfair advantage and that barring them levels the playing field.

Needless to say, the ruling drew mixed reactions and controversy. Some felt that having foreign reinforcements elevate the level of competition and improve the skill set of local centers.

Now whether the NCAA board made the right decision or not remains to be seen. What is sure though is that all teams will be fielding in an all-Filipino lineup when the season starts.

New coaches

Aside from player movements, people also keep an eye on the coaching changes during the offseason.

Two teams have introduced their new coaches in recent months.

Mike Saguiguit will take over Perpetual Help Altas following the departure of multi-titled coach Frankie Lim.

Meanwhile, Jeff Perlas replaces Topex Robinson as the head coach of the Lyceum Pirates.

Perlas served as Robinson's assistant so it will be interesting to see whether the team's offense will stay the same or change with a new head coach in charge.

Key additions

The lull in sports activity during the lockdown did not hamper schools from recruiting players.

Interestingly, the summer saw frantic player movements involving the NCAA and rival league University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Defending champion the Letran Knights got most of the loot with the acquisition of Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller, and Rhenz Abando - three key players for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP who bolted out after a controversial summer.

Although the trio is not expected to suit up right away, their arrival bolstered Letran's title chances in the coming years.

The Knights though will still be solid entering Season 96 as they will unleash key recruits Joseph Brutas, Kenny Rogers Rocacurva, Jay Pangalanan, and the returning Christian Fajarito to help the team defend its title.

Will San Beda bounce back?

The San Beda Red Lions have dominated the league for years. Its stunning loss to Letran in the Finals last year puts to waste their immaculate 18-0 run in the elimination round.

For Season 96, the Mendiola-based squad should remain as one of the favorites despite not having the luxury of an import to patrol the paint.

Former Gilas Youth member Yukien Andrada will give the Red Lions extra lift alongside Rhayyan Amsali, Justine Sanchez, and Tony Ynot.

Dark horses

While all eyes are on the Letran Knights and San Beda Red Lions, there are other teams capable of pulling out a surprise for the upcoming season.

Last year's playoff teams, Lyceum Pirates and the San Sebastian Stags, are expected to come out firing to redeem themselves after failing to advance in the championship round.

Likewise, the Benilde Blazers and Mapua Cardinals are no pushovers either especially now that the season is import-free.

Fresh start

The NCAA has found a new home in GMA Network. It would be interesting to see the Kapuso network dabble into live sports, with the NCAA as the only major sports program on its stable thus far.

It's a win-win situation and a new beginning for both parties.