My All Time Red Lions First Five

I've been watching the Red Lions games for over a decade and a half and I've seen a tons of players donning the Red and White Jersey. But the question is, who is the greatest of them all? I've listed my all-time greats in each position. 

PG - Borgie Hermida (2006-2010)

He played for San Beda for over 16 years. Well, that is something. He remained loyal to the Mendiola-based squad eventhough UAAP teams are trying to get his services especially in an era where most of the Red Cubs are lured over to play in the other league. I know that Borgie is not as talented as other generation of Red Lions like Emmanuel "Boybits" Victoria or a legend in Bonnie Carbonnel. But for me, his 16 years of loyalty is enough for him to be on my list. 

SG - Ralph Emerson Rivera (1994-1997) 

My first glimpse of an NCAA game came during the opening day of the 1996 season. I was a grade schooler then. Then I saw this shooter from San Beda wearing the number 6 jersey. From then, I idolized him. I even wear his number when I joined some intramurals and barangay leagues. Ralph Rivera is a well known scoring machine during his time. He battled against the toughest opponents before like Willie Miller of Letran, Patrick Benedicto of Mapua among others. He powered his team into NCAA Finals in '97 against a powerhouse SSC-R Stags of Rommel Adducul, Ulysses Tanigue, Jasper Ocampo, Brixter Encarnacion and more. For me, he is the most legit scoring guard that ever don the Red and White jersey. 

SF - Arjun Cordero (2001-2004)

I was at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum together with Jonas Villanueva's (yes, the former Red Cub and FEU Tams, now a PBA player) brother Joseph watching the Red Lions in a do-or-diegame against the Perpetual Altas. It was a close game and the Altas are leading by 2 with a couple of seconds left. Jerome Paterno inbounding the ball at the end court. He heaved abaseball pass to Marco Arbole which passed the ball to Arjun. He was free within 8 feet. He tried to make a lay-up but it fall short. That is the only memory many of us will remember about Arjun Cordero. But for me, he is still one of the best RL that ever played. He is a consistent Mythical Five member during his junior up to his final year. He is an undersized power forward but  a versatile and athletic small forward guy. For many of us, the missed lay-up will be most remembered. But for me, the one thing that I will remember about Arjun is that he had chosen San Beda over other schools. 'Nuff said. 

PF - Caloy Loyzaga (1950-1955)

I'm not that old to have watched "The Big Difference" in action but his legacy and memories as a Red Lion will never be surpassed by anyone. Arguably the best basketball player ever played in our country. With that, he can also be the best Red Lion that ever played. He served and continues to serve as an inspiration to young Bedans that have hoop dreams andmaking big for their alma mater. For me, Caloy is a lock for my All-time Red Lions great if not, the greatest of them all. 

C - Sam Ekwe (2006-2008)

I'm losing my interest watching San Beda Red Lions games when I heard that an 'import' has arrived in the Den. Then in my 22nd birthday, I opted to watch the Red Lions on their opening game against JRU. Then, I saw the import towering most of his counterparts. The Red Lions were victorious that day, trouncing the Heavy Bombers by 30 points. The rest they say is history. Sam Ekwe guided the RL to their 13th basketball crown, a first in 28 years. He have gotten the ROY and MVP awards in his rookie year. He also helped the Red Lions to secure their 3rd 3-peat championship during his sophomore and last playing year. Well, what more I can say. He is just changed the landscape of Philippine college basketball. JMP