FROM 2006 to 2019, San Beda ruled over the NCAA with 11 championships, led by legends such as Sam Ekwe, Baser Amer, and Robert Bolick.

Since 2022, however, the modern dynasty only got to return to the mountaintop once out of four tries - and even then, the Red Lions were seen as surprise winners with Benilde and Mapua both seemingly all-in back in 2023.

Then in the most recent Season 100, the red-and-white got booted out in the Final Four, the third time in four seasons such has happened to them.

Come the 2025 Filoil Preseason, San Beda didn't even make the cut for the quarterfinals, getting nosed out by upstarts EAC and Arellano and looking up at pacesetters Letran and Benilde.

In the eyes of head coach Yuri Escueta, however, the fact that the NCAA is as competitive as it has ever been in recent history is nothing but a good thing.

"That's a welcome development. The better the competition is, the better the league will be. Siyempre, gusto natin ng exciting games, ayaw natin ng tamabakan," he said.

While the Red Lions continue to be sponsored by longtime patron Manny V. Pangilinan, several boosters have entered the fray for their foes. Strong Group Athletics backs the Blazers and Knights, Red Dynasty backs San Sebastian, Jumbo Plastic backs EAC, and alumni have banded together to support Mapua and JRU, as Perpetual has PBA MVP Scottie Thompson shelling out for his alma mater.

Truth be told, San Beda's leg up for the longest time is no more.

That, though, is a challenge for them to keep up - and even take the lead anew.

As Escueta put it, "The level of the NCAA is actually pantay-pantay. You can't go into games unprepared, especially now na wala nang FSA (foreign student-athlete) and every team has strong backing already."

"We have to, of course, improve also in terms of our recruitment, player development, and coaching. Every time you wear the San Beda jersey, pressure will always be there and that is something we'll have to embrace and learn how to get over."

While the Mendiola-based squad didn't advance to the playoffs of the preseason tourney, it won three of its last four games, including triumphs over the Cardinals and Generals.

Through it all, players like Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno have shown continued development, as first-year forward Janti Miller has been good as advertised.

Without a doubt, that is something to build on for the Red Lions fired up to roar once more.

"Yes, we have to pick up our level of play. Hopefully, in the next few months, I'm sure we're gonna get there with the work these guys are willing to do," said Escueta.

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