Romwel Anzures

NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Most Valuable Player (MVP) and College of Saint Benilde star Allen Liwag. Photo by Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1788180894166Allen Liwag 2.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Most Valuable Player (MVP) and College of Saint Benilde star Allen Liwag. <em>Photo by Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Allen Liwag’s status remains uncertain as College of Saint Benilde looks to finally end its two-decade-long title drought in NCAA men’s basketball.</div><p>With just two weeks before the NCAA Season 102 opening day, the back-to-back NCAA MVP is still recovering from an undisclosed injury, putting his availability for the Blazers’ September 13 opener against defending champion San Beda University at the Mall of Asia Arena in doubt.</p><p>Liwag was originally listed for Strong Group Athletic’s campaign in the 2026 William Jones Cup before sitting out due to injury. He did see action in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup prior, averaging 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 blocks, and one steal in seven appearances.</p><p>New head coach Paolo Layug said the team’s immediate priority is Liwag’s recovery, with hopes that he can return in time for the start of the season.</p><p>“Our hope is that he’ll be ready to go by the start of the season, so he’s just trying to get better right now,” Layug said during the NCAA’s press conference on Monday at MOA, while not going into specifics about the nature of Liwag’s injury when asked. “Right now, we don’t know.”</p><p>Beyond his recovery, Layug also wants to continue expanding the 6-foot-6 forward’s game by gradually moving him away from a traditional center role.</p><p>“He was already showing glimpses of an expanded skillset. I hope that he’ll be able to showcase it. Our goal is for him to transition to the four or the three,” Layug said.</p><p>While Liwag has not been ruled out, Layug stressed that the Blazers will be ready for San Beda regardless of whether their MVP is available.</p><p>“We just want him to be at his best. So for him, maybe he’ll be ready on opening day, maybe not. But whatever the case is, the whole team will be ready.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>With or without Liwag</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1788180985706IMG_0719.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">College of Saint Benilde new head coach Paolo Layug in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball press conference.<em> Photo by Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.</em></span></span></span>Layug remains confident in his core as the Blazers look to bounce back from their heartbreaking Game 3 loss to eventual champion San Beda in the Season 101 semifinals.</div><p>“Kahit sino ilagay namin sa loob ng court, we expect them to perform at a high level, and play Benilde Basketball,” he said.</p><p>Despite losing Tony Ynot, Shawn Umali, Gab Cometa, Jake Gaspay, Matthew Oli, and Anton Eusebio to the professional ranks, Layug has no doubts about his remaining core.</p><p>“Every year, you want to try and get better,” he said. “So obviously, while we have a lot of holdovers, we’re trying to fine tune. You can’t stay the same.”</p><p>Among those expected to lead Saint Benilde are veteransJustine Sanchez, Mowell Morales, Raffy Celis, SJ Moore, Bonn Daja, Ian Torres, and Jhomel Ancheta, while Matthew Jucom and Drei Lorenzo headline the younger core.</p><p>Layug himself brings a combination of familiarity and a fresh approach to the coaching staff, taking over from former head coach Charles Tiu, who remains with Saint Benilde as an active consultant.</p><p>The longtime former Blazers deputy and Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) champion mentor, however, said the campaign is not about him, but about the culture he is trying to build in Taft Avenue.</p><p>“It’s just continuing to put in the work. Whatever position I have, I try to give my all, and I think the players know that,” he said. “It’s just giving my best, especially for these boys. I consider them my family, so I just want what’s best for them, and I’ll always do what’s best for them.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OlnAr4dhhw0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Allen Liwag’s status remains uncertain as College of Saint Benilde looks to finally end its two-decade-long title drought in NCAA men’s basketball.</p>

Allen Liwag’s status remains uncertain as College of Saint Benilde looks to finally end its two-decade-long title drought in NCAA men’s basketball.

NCAA: CSB's Allen Liwag uncertain for opening day due to undisclosed injury

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

NCAA: CSB's Allen Liwag uncertain for opening day due to undisclosed injury

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 31, 2026 09:54 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

NCAA

ABSSports

NCAA Season 102

NCAA Basketball

College of Saint Benilde

Benilde Blazers

Allen Liwag

Paolo Layug

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.