MANILA, Philippines -- Three-time defending champion San Beda University has a huge target on its back heading into the 95th season of the NCAA, with virtually every other team in the league tabbing the Red Lions as the ones to beat.

Even as they lost Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon to the PBA, the Red Lions remain as loaded as ever. Coach Boyet Fernandez still has veterans Donald Tankoua, Clint Doliguez, and AC Soberano in his line-up. He also has the up-and-coming pair of James Canlas and Evan Nelle, who both performed well in the FilOil tournament.

"The team to beat really is San Beda, the defending champion," said University of Perpetual Help coach Frankie Lim. "Maganda ang performance nila ng preseason. I would say it's San Beda."

Still considered a massive threat, however, are the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.

Topex Robinson no longer has former MVP CJay Perez and glue-guy MJ Ayaay, but he welcomed key recruits in Jayson David and Enzo Navarro, while retaining twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, and big man Mike Nzeusseu.

"Looking at the teams, ang may import ngayon is San Beda lang and Lyceum, so may advantage pa rin sila," said new Arellano University coach Cholo Martin.

"'Yung team na may import, they are the team to beat," San Sebastian College coach Egay Macaraya agreed.

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Yet the other teams stressed that Season 95 won't be a two-man race between San Beda and Lyceum. De La Salle-College of St. Benilde coach TY Tang pointed out that the other teams are "pretty much balanced" this season.

"All teams beefed up their line-ups," Tang said.

"I think most of the teams, you really cannot disregard them this year," said new Jose Rizal University coach Louie Gonzales.

"This season, mas exciting kasi every team talaga, magpapakita," added new Mapua University coach Randy Alcantara.

Robinson himself said that he cannot single out any team as the top contender to San Beda's crown right now.

"Based on the preseason games, everybody's stepping up," he said. "A lot of teams have exposure sa D-League. One thing is for sure: It's going to be an exciting season for us."

Fernandez, for his part, could only acknowledge the tall task that his team is facing this year.

"Well, lahat naman ng teams, nag-beef up, including the coaches," said Fernandez, who is looking to lead the Red Lions to a fourth consecutive title. "I think malakas din lahat ng teams."

"We're out to defend the crown, pero medyo mahirap kasi magagaling ang mga coaches," he admitted.

San Beda opens its title retention bid on Sunday, when they take on host Arellano at the Mall of Asia Arena. Also set to face off on opening day are Colegio de San Juan de Letran and last season's losing finalists, the Lyceum Pirates.

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