San Beda MVP Daniel out for entire NC season

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda’s back-to-back title drive in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament suffered a big blow after reigning MVP Sudan Daniel sustained a severe injury that would sideline him for the rest of the season.

“We’re preparing the boys to play minus Su,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim referring to the 6-8 Daniel, who suffered a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in a pre-season game against reigning UAAP champion Ateneo last month.

Lim said Dave Marcelo, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual and Semerad twins Anthony and David must step up in the shaded area in the absence of Daniel.

Daniel led the Red Lions’ historic 18-0 game title sweep last year while bagging the MVP honors in a sterling campaign highlighted by a pair of triple-double efforts.

With Daniel out, Season 87 could well be a wide open race.

“All the other teams became stronger this year with talented recruits,” said Lim. “With Su out, at least five other teams will battle it out for this year’s title.”

2009 champion San Sebastian, Letran, Mapua and Jose Rizal will be out to foil San Beda’s title repeat bid while host Perpetual Help, St. Benilde, Arellano U and Emilio Aguinaldo have also toughened up to gain a shot at the championship.

Lyceum was recently accepted as the league’s 10th team on probationary status.

Lim said that Daniel has actually insisted to play but team doctors advised against it.

“We tried to find some other ways but doctors advised Su to undergo an operation as soon as possible,” said Lim.

“We are not as strong as last year but I can assure the Bedan community that we will go out there to win with or without Su” said Lim. “It’s going to be tough but winning the championship can be achieved if we trust on each other and play as a unit.”