New coaches take helm in NCAA Season 89

MANILA, Philippines – The 89th season of the NCAA opens Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena with the promise of delivering another round of thrilling college basketball action even as several coaches take over as new mentors to some teams.

Host school College of St. Benilde steps into the scene with new head coach Gabby Velasco. Defending champion San Beda will now be mentored by former PBA guard Boyet Fernandez, while Letran and Mapua will have ex-Rain or Shine tactician Caloy Garia and PBA legen Atoy Co manning the sidelines, respectively.

CSB president Bro. Dennis Magbanua vowed to stage an opening ceremony to remember, with the NCAA using the motto “Our Stars Will Shine” as this season’s battlecry.

"We have a lot of secrets for this Saturday but we can't share them yet," Magbanua told scribes in the official press conference for the country’s oldest collegiate tournament at the MOA Arena Tuesday afternoon.

Former national team coach Joe Lipa will reprise his role as NCAA commissioner, again assuring a balanced officiating this season.

"I believe that the officials and referees did a good job last year so why fix something that's not broken," said Lipa.

"We promise to do our best this year and there will not be any rule changes. We are following the 2009 FIBA rules," he added.

The Blazers will take on the Lions in the curtain raiser followed by the Knights against the San Sebastian Stags in the nightcap.