FILE– St. Benilde Blazers after the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde is leaving no stone unturned in its redemption bid for NCAA Season 101, ramping up preparations with a training camp in Cebu.
After falling short of the Season 100 crown against reigning champion Mapua, the Blazers are deep into their preparation for their redemption drive.
“We have been doing alright. We are in Cebu playing games,” Tiu said in a text message with the Inquirer on Sunday afternoon. “They are eager to bounce back. Practicing has been okay [as well].”
The Blazers are nearly at full strength, with only Tony Ynot sidelined due to an undisclosed injury.
In his absence, returnees Gab Cometa, Justin Sanchez and Jhomel Ancheta have been putting in the work, while former Lyceum standout Shawn Umali is set to debut after serving his residency last season.
The Blazers ended last season’s elimination round as the second-best squad behind the Cardinals with a 14-4 card.
However, at the center of in the spotlight heading into the next season is none other than reigning MVP Allen Liwag.
“He’s continuing to improve his game. He knows he still has something to prove,” Tiu said of Liwag’s offseason progression.
Liwag, a member of this year’s Collegiate Press Corps Mythical Five selection, will carry a bigger target on his back when Season 101 tips off in October.
He averaged 14.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game last season, in a campaign where he also notched the NCAA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
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