Key losses: Franz Abuda, JV Gallego, Rhayyan Amsali
Key holdovers: James Kwekuteye, JB Bahio, Ralph Penuela
Season 97 record: 7-2, reached Final Four
"We are not back to zero."
These were the six words San Beda University skipper Ralph Penuela said when asked whether the Red Lions are back to square one following a gloomy NCAA Season 97 that saw them end a 14-years Finals streak.
The 6-foot-1 Penuela said that although they have a new head coach in Yuri Escueta, their goal and hunger for the upcoming Season 98 will always remain the same.
"I wouldn't say kasi malaking tulong 'yung last season sa amin, nag-bond kami ng group namin ngayon so mas close kami ngayon," Penula shared to GMA News Online.
"Mas kilala namin 'yung isa't-isa. I wouldn't say na back sa zero. Hindi kami balik sa zero."
Only three players from the previous campaign will not be joining San Beda this Season 98 as Franz Abuda graduated while JV Gallego sustained an injury and Rhayyan Amsali decided to focus on his spirituality.
12 holdovers led by veterans James Kwekuteye, JB Bahio, Peter Alfaro, Damie Cuntapay, Clifford Jopia, and Penuela are tipped to steer San Beda back to the top after missing out on the title for two straight seasons now.
Helping the Mendiola crew regain the school's glory are young guns Jacob Cortez, Yukien Andrada, Justine Sanchez, Alex Visser, Gab Cometa, and Tony Ynot alongside new faces Cyrus Llarena, Joshua Tagala, and Emmanuel Tagle.
San Beda had the chance to test Escueta's new system when they joined a couple of preseason leagues like the 2022 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup and for Penuela, their chances this season are looking good.
And they will be again tested quickly in the NCAA as they face rival Mapua University right off the bat in the opening day this Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
"Si Coach Yuri is really good naman, parang nakaka-adjust naman agad kami. He's emitting positive vibes din sa amin and very detailed din siya sa system niya," he said.
—JMB, GMA News
