Lions' next goal: Another 3-peat

MANILA, Philippines - The San Beda dynasty lives on.

The Red Lions, who swept the San Sebastian Stags in three games to complete a perfect, magical season, are looking at another dynasty similar to the Sam Ekwe-led team that won three straight titles from 2006 to 2008.

“If we worked as hard and possess the same determination and will like this season, anything is possible,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim who steered his team to an immaculate 18-0 (win-loss) record this season.

Except for pro-bound Borgie Hermida, San Beda would bring to the table almost the same lineup for next year.

Hermida, who’s been with San Beda practically all his life, just played his fifth and final season as a Red Lion, a stint laced with four championships and a runner-up finish last year.

The Barako Bull-bound guard will leave a big, gaping hole at the backcourt.

Fortunately for the Lions, San Beda hotshot Baser Amer, undoubtedly the most talented, complete player ever to come out of high school this year, is reportedly filling in the Hermida vacuum.

“Baser Amer will take over from where Borgie left off. We’re excited for him,” said Lim, a sweet-shooting guard during his NCAA and PBA days.

Amer is the exact same player like Hermida, if not better.

The 18-year-old Zamboanga native has the ability to dazzle his way inside, can shoot from long range, a good passer, a decent wing defender and, most importantly, has the leadership quality like Hermida, which would make him a big asset when the Lions go for another three-peat.

Amer will join an already loaded roster headed by season and Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Sudan Daniel.

Alongside the 6-7 Daniel are Jake Pascual, Dave Marcelo, Garvo Lanete, Rome dela Rosa, Fil-Aussie twins Anthony and David Semerad, Anjo Caram, Kyle Pascual and Jaypee Mendoza, who will return next season for a back-to-back.

“We’re basically an intact team and we hope to capitalize on it,” said Lim.

Lim also believes that this year’s squad could be one of the greatest San Beda team formed, if not the best.

“Only history could judge this team,” said Lim. “It’s a good feeling accomplishing a feat like this. I hope this would last a long time.”