It is sometimes a little difficult to believe that St Benilde is already among the ranks of NCAA basketball champions. Some 10 years ago, the Blazers won the NCAA championship behind the likes of Al Magpayo, Ron Capati, Jay Lapinid and Sunday Salvacion. That was a powerhouse team that just stamped its class on the rest of the NCAA that season under the bench direction of Dong Vergeire. Almost every star on that team went on to play commercial- and pro-league ball. Salvacion is still a mainstay now in the PBA. Not too many years ago they even produced an NCAA Most Valuable Player in Jay Sagad. Sagad was a yeoman-like center who quietly but consistently got his numbers and helped his team in every way he could. St Benilde has expanded as an institution, but has since fallen on some hard times, at least in the basketball front.

When one looks at the players who have at one time or another been on the St Benilde roster, it seems unbelievable that they have not had as much success as their rosters would suggest. Aside from those aforementioned, the following have donned the black and green: Paolo Orbeta, Gary David, Jeff Morial, Gelo Montecastro, Archie David, Willy Johnston, Stan Aldover, and a whole bunch of other talents. It seems unfathomable that they have not been more successful as a basketball program. It seems forever since they’ve seen the Final 4, never mind the Finals. For Season 86, it is high time to bring the “blaze” back into Blazers.

There are still quite a few holdovers who will now assume the role of veteran leaders for head coach Richard Del Rosario. 5-foot-7 Pointguard Mac Abolucion had to take a backseat to the bigger name guards on this team the last few years. Having to play alongside the likes of Orbeta, Montecastro and Morial would certainly guarantee less minutes for someone like Abolucion. But going up against those guys in practice also helped him become a better player, a smarter player, and a more patient player overall. Abolucion is now being trusted to take the reins and lead this team as the primary pointguard.

Other notable returning veterans are 6-foot-3 center-forward Robbie Manalac, 6-foot-5 center Jan Tan, 6-foot-3 forward Alex Wong, 6-foot swingman Christian De La Paz, and 5-foot-9 guard RJ Argamino. 6-foot-2 forward David Urra might also return. These men should provide some stability for the Blazers and lead by example for the newcomers. One man notable for not returning however is also the team’s erstwhile superstar: Montecastro is reportedly transferring to another university.

As for the newcomers, there is three of note: 6-foot-2 forward Timothy McCoy came from Philippine Christian University should make the most immediate impact with his athleticism and toughness. 5-foot-7 pointguard Luis Sinco out of Ateneo De Manila saw heavy minutes in the summer tournaments and might emerge as the sleeper discovery of Season 86. 6-foot-4 forward-center Jeff Ongteco is lean and long but very athletic and should help at the 4/3 spot.

Lasalle Greenhills, the Junior Blazers, should also do well in the toughest high school tournament in the country. 6-foot-2 RP Youth Team forward Michael Pate, 6-foot-4 center Ali Carlos and 5-foot-6 guard Luigi Pumaren lead the team.