MANILA, Philippines – The coach may have changed, but expectations remain the same for the San Beda College Red Lions, who will settle for nothing less than the title in the NCAA Season 93 men's basketball tournament.

Season 92 record: 14-4

Season 92 summary:

After getting their hearts broken in Season 91, the Red Lions were clearly on a mission in Season 92. This time around, they had no MVP candidate the caliber of Art dela Cruz, or a star point guard like Baser Amer. Even import Donald Tankoua was not rated as highly as Ola Adeogun.

They had their struggles, including an untimely two-game slide in the second round that put their twice-to-beat aspirations at risk. Though they got the No. 1 seed, they needed the Final 4 bonus as they were pushed to the limit by University of Perpetual Help.

In the Finals, however, the Red Lions came into their own. Against Arellano University, San Beda shackled the pair of Jiovani Jalalon and Kent Salado to sweep the best-of-3 series and clinch the crown.

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Key losses: Dan Sara, Coach Jamike Jarin

Key acquisitions: Coach Boyet Fernandez, Clint Doliguez, Kenmark Cariño

Season 93 projection:

San Beda lost a championship coach in Jamike Jarin, but welcomed back another one in Boyet Fernandez, who led the Red Lions to the NCAA title in 2013 and 2014. The core of last season's championship team is also back for another run, with only team captain Dan Sara leaving due to graduation.

The Red Lions fired a warning shot to the rest of the NCAA in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Tournament, where they went 11-0 and dethroned defending champions De La Salle University in a thrilling final. Robert Bolick emerged as a star and the new leader of the team, and Fernandez took the opportunity to mix and match his line-ups, seeing what combinations worked.

What the preseason tournament showed is that the road to the NCAA title still runs through Mendiola. The Red Lions have a wealth of championship experience, and are legitimately 14-man deep. Bolick may be their go-to player, but San Beda also features talents like Javee Mocon and Davon Potts, as well as the comebacking Tankoua, all of whom are capable of leading the team.

Given the talent and experience that San Beda possesses, anything less than a second straight title should be a disappointment.

In their own words: "We have to win back-to-back (titles) for San Beda. Yes, we're happy right now and we are enjoying the FilOil. It's a very good indication to what we are as a team, but again, the bottomline is we're looking forward to the NCAA. Hopefully, we can let the NCAA trophy stay in Mendiola." – Boyet Fernandez.

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