MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) showed improvement in Season 92. Can the Generals continue their climb in Season 93?

Season 92 record: 6-12

Season 92 summary: EAC's campaign in Season 92 got off to a bright start, as they defeated Lyceum of the Philippines University, 64-57, to give new coach Ariel Sison a winning welcome to the NCAA. However, they lost their next five contests, essentially killing their Final 4 chances.

The Generals did put together a brief two-game winning streak in the second round, upsetting Jose Rizal University then repeating over Lyceum. They showed great fight in their final game of the season as well, dragging then-defending champion to overtime before eventually fading.

Key losses: Igee King, Jorem Morada

Key returnees: Sidney Onwubere, Francis Munsayac, Hamadou Laminou

• READ: NCAA to impose tight security in school-based matches

Projection: The EAC Generals made a leap in Season 92, but it was still not enough to propel them to the NCAA elite. This time around, they have reason to believe that they can get it done.

Veterans like Onwubere and Munsayac are back to serve as the leaders of the team, while Laminou will again serve as the anchor of EAC's defense. The Generals are now well-versed in Coach Ariel Sison's system after one full year.

Just as important, EAC is bringing in a key transferee in Jerome Garcia, the former Adamson University Falcon who did not make the cut under Franz Pumaren. In Garcia, the Generals have another player who can space the floor aside from Munsayac.

The Generals did not make much noise in the preseason, finishing with a 3-5 win-loss record in the FilOil tournament and failing to make the quarterfinals. However, they did end their campaign on a high note, beating Mapua University, and they believe they can build on it as they head to the NCAA tournament.

With a veteran roster and some key additions, it won't be a surprise if the Generals make a run for a Final 4 spot in Season 93.

In their own words: "We're optimistic. We're praying hard, we're practicing hard just to be there in the Final 4. We want it, and we want it now."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.