The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – unfolds “NEW HEROES WILL RISE” as it formally kicks off Season 99 this September 24, 2023 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NCAA Philippines games will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2:00pm and 4:00pm, while Saturday games will be played at 9:30am and 3:00pm. Sunday games will have triple-headers at 10:00am, 12:20pm, and 2:40pm. All matches, except for the Opening Day, will be played at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Letran opens its ambitious four-peat feat against host Jose Rizal University while 2022 runner-up St. Benilde starts a bid to finally win the big one as it faces Lyceum U when Season 99 of NCAA basketball unfolds Sept. 24 at the MOA Arena.
The Knights, who have won the last three championships including a three-game epic over the Blazers last season, are unleashing a completely retooled roster. They will come in with a new coach in Rensy Bajar and six new recruits in Jonas Napalang, James Jumao-as, Shad Chang, Paolo Galvez, Ira Manas and Nathaniel Montecillo.
If the Knights win it all again this season, Letran chalks up a first four-peat in the seniors division and 21st crown overall, one short of San Beda’s record.
For the Blazers, coach Charles Tiu has tapped former Gilas Pilipinas’ Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman as consultant with hopes of steering a team that will have reigning MVP Will Gozum, Miguel Oczon, Miguel Corteza, Prince Carlos, Robi Nayve and Mark Sangco back.
Tiu, however, tries to downplay expectation on his team.
NCAA Men's Basketball Seniors Division Team Standings (Season 99)
| Rank | TEAM / Seniors Division | WIN | LOSS | STREAK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of St. Benilde Blazers (CSB) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 2 | Letran Knights (CSJL) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 3 | Lyceum Pirates (LPU) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 4 | San Beda Red Lions (SBU) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 5 | San Sebastian Golden Stags (SSC-R) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 6 | Arellano Chiefs (AU) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 7 | Perpetual Altas (UPHSD) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 8 | Mapua Cardinals (MU) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 9 | Jose Rizal University Bombers (JRU) | 0 | 0 | - |
| 10 | Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (EAC) | 0 | 0 | - |
