ESPN5.com's college hoops writers preview the 10 teams competing in the 95th season of the NCAA.
San Sebastian Stags
Season 94 performance: 6-12 (6th place)
The San Sebastian Stags' Season 94 campaign was marred by several "what if" situations.
What if the mass exodus that saw seven players leave the team in the off-season did not happen? What if RK Ilagan was not suspended for playing in an unauthorized game? What if two of their wins were not forfeited?
The results might have been different but there's no use dwelling on the past. Now, the Stags are more than ready to move on and start anew.
"I just hope and pray that there will be no more distractions this season," San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya said.
After losing key cog Michael Calisaan to graduation, the Stags will pin their hopes on the 1-2 punch of Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi. But for them to succeed, Macaraya knows that the responsibility of leading the team should not fall entirely on the shoulders of his star players.
"The other veterans must be there also," said Macaraya. "It's about time we embrace the pressure, the responsibility, and especially the challenge that we can be one of the top teams this season."
The Stags showed their potential when they reached the semifinals of the PBA D-League behind Ilagan and Bulanadi, who emerged as candidates in the MVP race. It won't be surprising if both players will also contend for the NCAA's top individual plum this year while steering their team to the Final Four.
"Without an import, us being considered as a contender is flattering," said Macaraya. "Who knows what will happen especially if RK, Allyn, and the rest of the team can be healthy?"
Macaraya reiterates that everyone on the roster should step up, including the rookies and the role players, for them to gun for the title that has eluded them since 2009.
"It will be nice if everyone contributes in their roles at any given time," said Macaraya. "It's going to be a very big factor and advantage for us if that happens."
College of St. Benilde Blazers
Season 94 performance: 10-8 (5th place)
The CSB Blazers almost advanced to the Final Four last year, but they ultimately fell short and settled for a fifth place finish. Returning with an intact core, they are hoping to finally make it through this coming Season 95.
"To get to the playoffs is the main goal. We can always say we are ready but the result will show if we are or not," third-year head coach TY Tang said. Sophomore star Justin Gutang, who turned heads last season, will continue to play a vital role in the Blazers' quest for an elusive semifinals berth.
"He's definitely our leader in terms of being the focal point of our offense," Tang said. "But more than the on-court stuff, it's more of his character and his leadership, that's what we're looking for from him. When you're a leader, you're supposed to command and earn the respect of your team."
CSB will bank on veterans Clement Leutcheu, Edward Dixon, Yankie Haruna, and Kendrix Belgica to lead the team alongside Gutang. Even homegrown newcomers Ladis Lepalam and Mark Sangco will also be expected to contribute.
"We can't rely on just one player to handle all the pressure throughout the season," said Tang. "I think the players have already bought into the kind of atmosphere we want to be in."
Following a disappointing preseason showing, Tang admits that the Blazers still have a lot to work on, especially in terms of mental toughness and consistency, if they want to keep in step with the league's best teams.
"We can show everyone that we can compete and win games," said Tang. "But when emotions get in the way, that's when we tend to go on a dip. Hopefully this time, we sustain the character we have and play consistently."