Blazing the Future Bright: CSB Makes Key Acquisitions in SJ Moore and Raffy Celis

It was not distant history that the College of Saint Benilde Blazers were basement tenants of the NCAA. From riding the coaching carousel to the inability to acquire key pieces sufficient for title contention, CSB was known to be just the other green school competing in another league.

After Sunday Salvacion and Mark Magsumbol won it all in 2000 mentored by the late Dong Vegiere, the Blazers went through a protracted dark age and never got to enter the semifinal dance for 16 straight years.

This has been a long forgotten part of Benilde basketball history.

The entrance of Charles Tiu as coach and with stable hands managing the team, the CSB Blazers have lived true to their team name, BLAZING the NCAA.

In 2022, the Taft-based five of Benilde danced until the finals but suffered a heartbreaker against Letran, 67-81. As it shattered the collective hearts of the green and white nation, optimism prevailed about a program that is finally back on track.

The College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers have always been on the cusp of greatness, but the addition of SJ Moore and Raffy Celis could be the spark that pushes them into serious NCAA contention by Season 101. Both players, fresh off their transfers from UST and Ateneo, bring with them a combination of explosive offense, defensive versatility, and experience that could transform the Blazers into a formidable force.

The Offensive Surge: SJ Moore’s Scoring Prowess

Moore’s arrival to the Blazers can’t be understated. A high-flying guard with a knack for scoring, he brings a dynamic edge to the CSB offense. While his numbers at UST were modest, averaging just 2.36 points per game in limited minutes, those who followed his high school career at Arellano know the talent he possesses. With the right system and enough time to refine his game during his sit-out year, Moore is bound to become a focal point of CSB’s offense.

Moore will likely fill the shooting guard position, where his ability to attack the rim will open up the floor for CSB’s shooters and big men. His athleticism will help the Blazers run a more up-tempo style of play, perfect for fast breaks and transition scoring. Picture Moore slashing through defenses, finding gaps in the paint, and throwing down highlight-reel dunks. That’s the type of impact CSB fans can expect from him—raw energy and relentless pursuit of the basket.

Yet, Moore’s potential doesn’t stop there. If he develops a more reliable perimeter shot, he will be able to stretch defenses, forcing opponents to pick their poison. His versatility will make him a matchup nightmare, giving CSB that offensive weapon they’ve long needed to break through the upper echelon of the NCAA.

Defensive Versatility and Leadership: Raffy Celis

While Moore’s offensive burst is crucial, Raffy Celis brings a different but equally vital element to the Blazers—defensive versatility and leadership. Standing at 6-foot-3 and trained under the meticulous system of Ateneo’s Coach Tab Baldwin, Celis comes in as a two-way player who can immediately impact CSB’s defense.

Playing at the small forward position, Celis’ ability to guard multiple positions will give CSB flexibility in their defensive schemes. Whether it’s locking down the opposing team’s best wing or switching onto guards, Celis can do it all. His time with Ateneo, even in limited minutes, has seasoned him in ways that go beyond the stat sheet. He understands the intricacies of team defense, rotations, and how to anticipate plays—skills that will elevate the entire Blazers roster.

But it’s not just about defense. Celis has the offensive tools to space the floor as well. His shooting touch will provide much-needed balance, allowing CSB to spread defenses and create driving lanes for players like Moore. Celis will also be counted on for leadership, with his maturity and experience making him a potential anchor for the younger Blazers on the court.

What It Means for CSB in Season 101

By the time Season 101 rolls around, Moore and Celis won’t just be important pieces—they’ll be cornerstones. CSB has been knocking on the door of NCAA relevance, and with these two in the lineup, that door might just swing wide open. Expect the Blazers to play at a faster pace, with Moore’s slashing style leading the charge and Celis anchoring a more cohesive, switch-heavy defense.

CSB’s offense will now have multiple options. With Moore attacking and Celis spacing the floor, the Blazers will have multiple ways to hurt teams offensively. Defensively, Celis’ ability to guard multiple positions will allow CSB to compete against the league’s more versatile lineups.

In a league where each season brings new challenges and emerging stars, Moore and Celis give CSB a tangible reason to believe that their future is brighter than ever. The Blazers, once underdogs, could soon be standing toe-to-toe with the NCAA’s elite, ready to make a deep playoff run.

As the dust settles and CSB prepares for what’s to come, it’s clear: Season 101 will be one for the books, with Moore and Celis leading the charge.