Loss of key players puts Cubs dynasty in jeopardy

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda, which reached another milestone by nailing its 21st crown over La Salle-Greenhills in the finals of the 89th NCAA junior basketball tournament at the MOA Arena Thursday, is faced with a huge manpower loss.

“We’re losing 10 seniors to graduation this school year and will be left with just one starter next season,” said San Beda coach JB Sison, who took over last summer following Brit Reroma’s sudden resignation.

Of the starters, only Joshua Andrei Caracut will stay as fellow former national youth team mainstays Arvin Tolentino, Ranbill Tongco and Rev Deputado, last year’s Finals MVP Jayvee Mocon and six other players have played their last season for the Taytay, Rizal-based dribblers.

Also graduating are Niko Abatayo, Lancelot Abude and Franz Abuda among others.

This same core powered San Beda to win the last two of the school’s first juniors five-peat feat and a rare sweep that was last done by a San Sebastian squad headed by Ryan Buenafe and Arvie Bringas five seasons back.

“It will be hard to replace these players because they’re really integral parts of our championship run,” said Sison. “But this is high school basketball, players come and go and you always rebuild somewhere.

“I guess we just have to make do with what we have and start from scratch,” he added.

Sison’s hopes though is that most, if not all, graduating players end up with the senior basketball team where he also helps as one of Boyet Fernandez’s assistants.

“I wish all of them decide to play college ball for their alma mater, I really hope they do,” said Sison.