85 years is an awfully long time. Most people that old would probably be already on an assisted living diet, maybe even already wearing adult diapers, or writing their last will and testament. Not so for the oldest and most prestigious college varsity league in the land though. This year the National Collegiate Athletic Association turns a grand old 85 years. As usual, all eyes are on the centerpiece college basketball tournament.

San Beda College’s Red Lions have ruled the men’s basketball competition the last three years. They did it behind the dynamic duo of 6-foot-8 Nigerian giant Samuel Ekwe and 5-foot-11 pointguard John Paul Escobal. Ekwe was adjudged most valuable player in their first and third championship seasons. He could have easily completed an individual MVP grand slam of his own were it not for a freak call that resulted in a suspension in Season 83. Both men have since completed their eligibility and have moved on to pro careers. Ekwe was last with the Trace Laguna Stallions of the Liga Pilipinas while Escobal is with the Talk N Text Phone Pals of the PBA.

Nothing to worry about though, as the Red Lions of Season 85 are more than capable of defending the crown for a fourth straight year. It will not necessarily be as easy as in years past, but there is little to indicate that any team will definitely dethrone the Red Lions in Season 85. This team may not be as deep, as big and as talented as the last three years, but San Beda is this year’s Host School and certainly would not want to be embarrassed in the premiere basketball events.

6-foot-7 American import Sudan Daniels is the new man to keep an eye upon. He displays incredible athletic ability in a long and agile package. Daniels, unlike other college imports, is a legit American who already knew the game well when he came to the Philippine Islands. Ekwe, for all his accomplishments, came to the country barely knowing the game and needed at least three years to grasp its nuances. Daniels is a typical American baller who wants to dunk everything, but he has also learned how to work the low blocks as a converted center. He has just come off a championship campaign in the Nike Summer League where he was also named MVP. “I really hope we can build on this momentum and carry it into the NCAA,” he said during the Nike awarding ceremonies.

Daniels will have plenty of help in getting that 4-Peat. A lot of San Beda veterans are returning this year: 5-foot-11 JR Tecson and 6-foot-3 Bam Gamalinda are arguably the most important ones. These two are intelligent and patient players who will take up the leadership cudgels for the season. Tecson has developed into a clutch long-range shooter, while Gamalinda matches up well with any forward in the league. Also returning are chunky 6-foot-3 center JR Taganas, brawny 6-foot-5 center Dave Marcelo, 5-foot-7 pointguards Chico Tirona and Melo Lim, and 6-foot swingman Garvo Lanete. This is a core that has played together well for at least two years. Perhaps the most important returnee though is 6-foot-5 do-it-all forward Jake Pascual, a former NCAA high school MVP. Pascual literally saved the Red Lions and assured their grand slam in critical stages of crucial games last season with his amazing all-around versatility.

San Beda of course will not get served its 4-Peat on a silver platter. A couple of other teams are looking to challenge the Red and White dynasty. Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian College seem to be the biggest and most serious challengers to the crown, with their depth, talent and versatility.

The JRU Heavy Bombers still have a very potent and veteran core group led by 6-foot-5 center James Sena, 5-foot-9 pointguard Mark Cagoco, 6-foot-2 swingman John Wilson and 6-foot-2 forward Marvin Hayes. These four have the experience, talent and will to make a game of every contest, and in fact led the way when JRU beat San Beda in the first round of last season, quite a distinction for them. Joining them are more battle-tested veterans: 5-foot-8 pointguard Jay Bulangis, 5-foot-9 guard Nate Matute, 5-foot-10 African swingman Nchotu Njei, 6-foot-1 swingman Jay Agas, 6-foot-2 forward Jon Lopez, 6-foot-3 forward Jecster Apinan and 6-foot-5 center John Montemayor. That makes the Heavy Bombers at least two players deep at every position, more than a match for the Red Lions’ roster. JRU however will have to do without 6-foot-8 African import Etame Joe, who suffered a knee injury and might miss the entire season. Valuable rotation players Maui Pradas and Jason Nocom have used up their eligibility and are no longer around as well.

The San Sebastian Golden Stags are another team on the rise. They gave San Beda all they could handle in a highly physical championship match in the Nike Summer League, and inflicted an elimination round loss against the Red Lions in the Fil Oil. They no longer have superstars Jim Viray and Jason Ballesteros around, but they still have a potent lineup with many returning veterans. 6-foot-1 gunner Jimbo Aquino, 6-foot-2 forward Gilbert Bulangis and 5-foot-8 pointguard Pamboy Raymundo lead the way. Aquino is now the new main offensive weapon, Bulangis has taken on the enforcer role, while Raymundo is the new team leader. They are rejoined by 5-foot-11 guard Jonathan Semira, 5-foot-8 pointguards Anthony Del Rio and Raymond Maconocido, and 6-foot-4 forward-center Dave Najorda. Key additions include 6-foot-3 forward-center Ronald Pascual and 6-foot-2 forward Calvin Abueva. 6-foot-3 forward-center Mark Anthony “Tonton” Bringas might still return as well.

A dark horse for this season is Letran College. The Knights had some rather sudden personnel losses but still retain a lot of talent. 5-foot-10 pointguard RJ Jazul and 6-foot-3 small forward Rey Guevarra are the best at their positions in the NCAA. As long as they are with the Knights, head coach Louie Alas can count on being at least in the Final 4. A good enough break here and there and the Knights might even crash the Finals. 6-foot-6 center John Foronda and 6-foot-4 power forward Jam Cortez provide size and muscle in the paint and rebounding insurance. Also returning are 5-foot-8 pointguard Reymar Gutilban, 5-foot-11 gunner JP Belencion, and 6-foot-3 center-forward Jun Alas. Kevin Alas, the 6-foot hotshot out of their own high school program also joins the team this year. Gone are Regin Raneses, Alvyn Cabonce, Kojak Melegrito, Clarence Foronda and Anjoe Latonio. Latonio and the younger Foronda could have played again this year but chose to transfer to Far Eastern University in the UAAP.

Mapua Tech is another dark horse who might make things interesting leading up to the Final 4. Superstar Kelvin Dela Pena is gone, and his numbers and leadership might be impossible to replace. Also gone are hotshot swingman Ian Mazo and hardworking forward Neil Pascual. Still around though are 5-foot-8 shooter Allan Mangahas, versatile 6-foot-3 forward Maki Acosta, 6-foot-5 centers Jason Pascual and Mark Sarangay, 5-foot-10 guard TG Guillermo, 6-foot-2 swingman Kevin Espinosa and 5-foot-11 swingman Erwin “Wency” Cornejo. This is a Mapua team that can shoot well from the outside, with every player capable of hitting the 18 to 20-foot jumpshot, making them a tricky match-up challenge.

Among the three new teams, Arellano University might make the most noise. The Chieftains are hardcore legends who have taken down UAAP and NCAA teams with their frenetic run and gun style of play. Hardcore circuit veterans who might be seeing action in the NCAA include: 6-foot-5 center Ed Rivera, 6-foot-4 power forward Nap Apostol, 6-foot-4 forward Adrian Celada, 6-foot-2 swingman Isaiah Ciriacruz and 5-foot-1 pointguard Leonard “Bimbot” Anquilo. The NCAA can thank its lucky stars that superstars Orlando Daroya and Jordan Melanio are no longer with Arellano, having used up all their collegiate eligibility. This is a team that believes the early offense and quick ball movement are religion, and they can pile up points in bunches in a hurry.

Every other team is going to struggle in Season 85 though, and will have to look forward to next season and beyond to build up and find their own high-impact recruits. When all is said and done, the color of victory in Season 85 will still be Red and White.