Team Preview: St. Benilde Blazers

Overall record last season: 6-12, 8th Place

Head coach:  Richard Del Rosario

Assistants:  Mike Buendia, Matthew Macalintal, Stephen Sison, Anton Brodett

Players:
Altamirano, Anton
Bartolo, Robert
Carlos, Alison
Dela Paz, Christian
Deles, Ralph
Fikowski, Tyler
Garcia, Dexter
Grey, Jonathan
Lastimosa, Carlo
Lastimosa, Ronnel
Manconcido, Rhoel
Ongtenco, JR
Romero, Mark
Taha, Paolo
Tan, Jan
Tolentino, Joel


The Final Four has eluded the Blazers for so long now.  But this 2012, CSB will have its strongest chance of barging into the semis in recent years, with a souped-up line-up.

Key Losses
The Blazers are probably the least affected by the exit of players from last year.  Not seeing action this season are Michael Pate due to academic deficiency, Timothy McCoy, Ralph Nayve, and rarely used Jericho De Guzman and Andrew Musngi.  Only Pate averaged over five points last year among this group.

Key Additions
Making a good impression during the preseason were rookies Robert Bartolo and Joel Tolentino, with norms of 7.6 and 7.0 points respectively.  Especially notable is Bartolo, who threatens to be a force to reckon with inside the paint.  He also hauled down 7.1 caroms per game in the Fil-Oil Cup.

Holdovers
Coach Richard Del Rosario will be enjoying a deeper bench this year with some of his key players from Season 88 still suiting up for the Taft-based squad.  Heading the list is Carlo Lastimosa, who led the team in scoring last year with 14.9 markers per outing.  Mark Romero and Jonathan Grey are also important mainstays who produced remarkable numbers last season.  Also returning for duty are the sweet-shooting center Jan Tan and ace playmaker Luis Sinco.

Season Outlook, Strengths and Weaknesses
The Blazers enter the new NCAA season with high hopes after making it to the quarterfinals of the Fil-Oil Cup.  With a more formidable line-up than last year, they have reason to be optimistic.  By the look of things, San Sebastian and San Beda will probably get the first two semis tickets.  But the last two will be up for grabs for at least five teams:  Letran, JRU, Mapua, Arellano and St. Benilde.  The Blazers should survive Lyceum, Perpetual Help and Emilio Aguinaldo. 

The challenge will be to upend the Knights, Heavy Bombers, Cardinals and Chiefs to covet one of the remaining semis slots.  It’s also very likely that the Blazers will improve on their 6-12 card from last year.

CSB’s main weapon is its wingmen.  The Blazers are quick and teeming with slashers and shooters. 
Their fast-break game is admirable. But defensively, they need to make major repairs.Last season, the Blazers ranked eighth in defense, allowing opponents 77.9 points.  Although they s howed improvement in this department in the Fil-Oil Cup, the Blazers must still enhance their ability to protect the basket.  Another chink in their armor is the lack of imposing big men. 

Prognosis
A well-balanced offense anchored on a smooth fast-paced game is in order for the Blazers to make it to the semis.  But more emphasis must be made on defense.  The key is to get past the lower ranked teams and get ahead of other aspirants for the Final Four.