De La Salle Green Archers are the team to beat in UAAP season 80

Coaches of participating universities at the UAAP press conference held Monday. Photo by KC Cruz

As UAAP season 80 approaches, all eight coaches of participating universities agree on three things: (1) Defending champs De La Salle Green Archers are still the team to beat, (2) The Ateneo Blue Eagles, FEU Tamaraw, and the Franz Pumaren-led Adamson University complete the top four fearless forecast, and (3) season 80 will be one hell of a season.

With the theme "Go for Great", UAAP season 80 opens on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. As the opening salvo, University of the East going up against the National University will provide a taste of what fans and followers can expect the entire season.

“It’s going to be a competitive game,” says NU coach Jamike Jarin of the 2pm-opening game against UE. “The speed limit will be off, it’s going to be very fast and very competitive.”

Jarin said his team this year "is going to be competitive. It's a young team but as promised, we will give it our best."

For his part, UE coach Derrick Pumaren said, “we really have to be ready coming in for them.” He earlier also described his team as very young but very competitive.

It will be followed at 4pm by the Ateneo Blue Eagles battling out with Adamson University, a team Ateneo mentor Sandy Arrespacochaga describes as “one we’re focused on. They’re a very strong team.” 

But most of the coaches were quick to downplay their fearless forecasts and instead focused on a super tight game for all thanks to their highly competitive teams this year.

UP’s Bo Perasol, who mentioned that as of Monday morning two of his players were still not eligible to play this season, noted "this is going to be an exciting season.” — LA, GMA News