EAC Generals look to turn promise into Final Four spot in 101

After a rollercoaster Season 100, the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals step into NCAA Season 101 with momentum, a refined identity, and perhaps their strongest claim yet to be a dark horse in the race. 

With a blend of seasoned returnees and a sensational incoming rookie, EAC is aiming to break new ground—finally punching into the Final Four and beyond.

The foundation remains steady. Holdovers Kyle Ochavo, Brianne Angeles, and Nico Quinal return to carry continuity, leadership, and stability. 

They will help offset the departures of Harvey Pagsanjan, King Gurtiza, and Axel Doromal, whose exit left gaps in experience and production. 

The Generals also retain key contributors such as Jethro Bacud, Jude Bagay, Deo Lucero, Ruzzelle Dominguez, Wilmar Oftana, and Gelo Loristo, whose veteran presence gives balance and depth.

But the real game-changer is EJ Castillo. A 6-foot-1 rookie guard who dominated his high school years with the EAC Brigadiers, Castillo arrives with an impressive pedigree: Mythical Five honors, a Most Improved Player award, and scoring consistency. He has publicly committed to staying with EAC as he transitions to collegiate play. 

While recognizing he must learn and adapt, Castillo brings a natural scoring touch and confidence that promises to shake up lineups.

To round out the additions, EAC also welcomes Jacob Shanoda and Oman Omandac, both of whom are expected to contribute defensively and offer rotational flexibility. 

Completing the roster are Joshua Devara, Adam Doria, Chester Jacob, Rico Postanes, Joshua Tolentino, and Felix Villarente, each vying for meaningful minutes.

In the preseason, the Generals have already shown signs of being a serious contender. 

In the Filoil EcoOil preseason tournament, EAC upset Perpetual with a convincing 77–52 win, leaning on performances from Brianne Angeles, Joshua Tolentino, and others. 

Their streak in early games suggests the team’s confidence and chemistry are trending upward. Meanwhile, EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes has emphasized that although the team may be undersized, they plan to compensate with speed, defense, and cohesion. 

In Season 101, EAC finds itself in Group B, facing stiff competition from squads like Benilde, San Beda, Letran, and Jose Rizal University, a grouping where only three teams will advance to the crossover quarterfinals. To emerge as a contender, the Generals must combine their veteran leadership with the fresh energy of their newcomers. 

Kyle Ochavo, Brianne Angeles, and Nico Quinal need to anchor the team mentally and on the floor, while EJ Castillo, Jacob Shanoda, and Oman Omandac are expected to make the leap from role players to impact contributors. 

Success will depend on distributing scoring, defending aggressively, and using a deep rotation to maintain intensity. 

Yet the path is daunting: chemistry must develop quickly, size disadvantages must be mitigated, and the pressure of finally punching into the Final Four looms large. They will need grit, adaptability, and collective buy-in if they hope to rise above the rest.