5 November 2018
By Angelli Ojastro
As San Beda Red Lions campaign their third consecutive championship this season, let us look back on the basketball players who showed notable performances during their stint in the Mighty Red School.
Point Guard – Baser Amer
First on our list is a player benchmarking his name in the professional league, Baser “The Hammer” Amer. Born as a star player, Baser clearly showcased his talents during his stay in San Beda as he helped the Red Lions win four championship titles.
Who can forget the Perpetual game back in Season 88 when he made that buzzer beater shot all the way from across the court? Plus his ability to carry the team especially during crucial minutes of the game? There is no doubt that Baser is one of the best players San Beda has ever seen and probably a future basketball hall of Famer. That’s just who he is.
Shooting Guard – Garvo Lanete
Next on our list is Garvo Lanete. This guy was not only a shooter but a definite sniper. During his stay in San Beda, he was an essential weapon that helped the team win four championships.
Although, his definite shining moment was in Season 87. This was the time when Sudan Daniel had his injury and Lanete stepped up his game and regain the title from the San Sebastian Stags. This also led him of being part of the Mythical Five that season.
Small Forward – Rogemar (Ogie) Menor
Another big name on the list is Ogie Menor. Though he had a controversial start in his college career, it did not hinder him to show his best for the Red Army. After he lost the Rookie of the year award to Mapua’s Kelvin dela Pena, he made sure that he will deliver greatly the following season (and he did).
During the finals game against PCU Dolphins in Season 82, Menor was one of the key players who brought home the bacon and end the 28-year drought of San Beda. He also bagged the Finals MVP award as he scored his college career high during this game, 35 points.
Power Forward – Arth Dela Cruz
Following Menor on the list is Arth Dela Cruz. After leaving San Beda High and residing in Ateneo for a year, Dela Cruz went back to the mother ship in 2012. Timely as it is, during his first year back, San Beda Red Lions was in a crisis, as most of their players were suspended due to a fight.
Known as part of the super six, Dela Cruz together with Yvan Ludovice, Ritchie Villaruz, Dave Moralde, Francis Abarcar, and Junjun Bonsubre led the team into a championship that season together. After that, he has been a key player to the Red Lions and helped them brought home the almost historic 6-peat.
Center – Sam Ekwe
Who can forget the 6-foot-8 tower of power who helped San Beda end it’s 28-year drought? He definitely proved his worth as he led the team into a championship in the NCAA season 82. Aside from that, he also bagged the awards Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and a spot on the Mythical Five selection in the same season.
Even with the spectators and bashers around, Ekwe did not seem to mind them and continue playing the game for San Beda. During his last year, he brought home the Season and Finals MVP award and led San Beda to its third consecutive title. Let’s admit, that is totally impressive and he should definitely be part of this list.
Notable Snubs
We know there are a lot of big names who should be part of this list such as Sudan Daniel, Jake Pascual, Robert Bolick, Kyle Pascual, Ola Adeogun, Dave Marcelo, Davon Potts, Borgie Hermida, Dan Sara, AC Soberano, and more but, we only included names who we deemed made the most impact during their stint.
Don’t agree with our list, comment your own first five in the comment section and let us know!
Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli
Disclaimer: We are not including players from 2004 and below.
