Lions dynasty in the works

With Sam Ekwe in the fold, San Beda proved peerless in the NCAA the last two years. With another Nigerian joining the squad next season, the Red Lions are on their way to building a dynasty in the country’s oldest collegiate league.

“We have a good chance to do it, we should have good recruits next year to fill the spots left by (Yousif) Aljamal and (Raymond) Maggay,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim, moments after steering the Lions to back-to-back title romp following a two-game sweep of the Letran Knights Wednesday night.

Lim, who played for the San Beda team that last won back-to-back in 1977-78, has reasons to be optimistic of the Lions’ three-peat bid.

For one, another Nigerian – Emeka Udo – in the mold of Ekwe, is taking his residency and should be eligible for Season 84.

Like the 2006 rookie MVP, Udo is agile for his 6-foot-9 frame and is said to be a power player who can also intimidate the opponents’ shots with his high-leaping ability.

Three more big men – 2006 NCAA juniors MVP Elvin Pascual, Martin Antonio and Erwin Castillo – are also coming in from the Mendiola-based school’s second team with the last two expected to fill the void left by Aljamal and Maggay, who already played their last seasons with the squad.

The Lions are also eyeing the versatile Nicholas Salva from the Red Cubs although they would have to beat the Ateneo Eagles from the other league in an expected tug-o-war for the talented forward.

“We’re excited of the future because we know there are several talents coming in,” Lim said.

Lim is also looking forward to a back-to-back title both as a player and as a coach after winning his first on his first try. The 2006 San Beda squad that went all the way was coached by Koy Banal.

“It was a good feeling to win titles as a player, but it’s sweeter winning one as a coach. I hope we’ll win another one next year,” Lim said.

With the enormous talents at his disposal, including reigning Finals MVP Rogemar Menor, Pong Escobal, Borgie Hermida, Bam Bam Gamalinda, 2007 Rookie of the Year Dave Marcelo, Jay-Ar Taganas and Ekwe, Lim said the Lions are in for a historic stint next year.

Only five teams had won three straight crowns – former members University of the Philippines (1924-26) and Ateneo (1931-33), San Beda (1934-36), Letran (1982-1984) and San Sebastian’s unmatched five-peat from (1993-1997).

The Lions have won 13 titles overall and are aiming to join the Eagles at second place with most number of crowns with 14. Letran tops the list with 15 championships, the last in 2005.