Former PBA MVP and now San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin talks about his team's chances in NCAA 86 during Wednesday's Hardball sports program.

MANILA, Philippines – The San Sebastian Stags, reigning National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Seniors basketball champions, will rely on their improved game as they begin their title retention bid in Season 86 on Saturday.

San Sebastian mentor Ato Agustin said their stint in the recent Filoil Invitational Cup, wherein they toppled defending champion Far Eastern University (FEU), showed that the team has adjusted well in the absence of gunner Jimbo Aquino.

“’Yung adjustment namin mula nung mawala si Jimbo naging okay din. Nagko-contribute na [‘yung ibang players], ‘yung play umiikot na ngayon,” Agustin said in an interview over ANC’s sports program Hardball.

The 6-foot-5 Carlo Abueva took over the team leadership for the Stags as Aquino has already finished his 5-year eligibility in the NCAA.

Also expected to give Abueva the needed support are San Sebastian mainstays Gilbert Bulawan, Pamboy Raymundo and Dave Najorda.

“Nakita ko yung ball movement namin, at the same time, yung assist namin tumaas [during the Filoil tournament],” said Agustin. “Hindi katulad noong last season mababa lang ang assist namin. Nag-step up lahat sila, even the big guys.”

During the NCAA’s 85th season, the Stags scored a 16-2 win-loss slate for a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final 4. They beat the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers in the semifinals before eventually sweeping defending champion San Beda College Red Lions in the finals.

San Beda reloading

However, this time around, San Sebastian will face an improved and “loaded” San Beda, which has boosted its line up to tighten its defensive game.

Rebound Magazine’s Chris Soler said this season’s San Beda is a stronger version of its team last year.

“This time, they got the likes of Fil-Americans, Fil-Australians, they're very capable inside and the perimeter as well,” Soler told Hardball.

Aside from retaining American Sudan Daniel, the Lions also have Australians Anthony and David Semerad.

“They [also] got JP Mendoza, who played for RP U-18 team, he can play 3 positions and he's about 6'2". At the same time [they also have] Kyle Pascual, he's a Fil-American, he's 6'7",” Soler said.

“The Red Lions have really loaded. I think what's gonna happen is they're gonna tighten up defensively,” he added.

Other teams also improving

Aside from San Beda, San Sebastian’s coaching staff noticed improvements in the game of other NCAA teams.

Stag’s assistant coach Allan Trinidad said the JRU Bombers, the University of Perpertual Help Altas, and the Mapua Cardinals also improved during their Filoil pre-season performances.

“Noong Filoil, ang Perpetual nag-improve, they played physical game. Tinalo nila ang La Salle by big points. Mapua, they played like champions against Ateneo Eagles. JRU, tinalo nila ang San Beda noong knockout game,” said Trinidad.