UAAP men's caging primer

The 70th University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Basketball tournament opened last Saturday before a full-house crowd at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, with the usual hoopla and and excitement only that league could deliver. During the 69th edition of the games, only seven teams competed for the highest prize at stake in the tournament, because the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers were suspended for a year after fielding in ineligible players from 2003-2005. The competition, however, will be more exciting this year as the Green Archers return to compete with seven other schools led by defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigers. Lets take a quick peek on the team’s that will compete and know what their strengths and weaknesses are. University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers: Underdogs this 70th season Rank: 1 (all rankings as of 2006) It's been year since the UST Growling Tigers reclaimed lost glory in collegiate basketball with a historic victory over perennial favorite Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in Season 69's UAAP Finals. The this year the Tigers hope to erase doubts about their winning their 19th basketball title by getting yet another crowns in the 70th staging of the UAAP wars. But the road to glory will be difficult, especially with the absence of 2006 finals MVP Jojo Duncil, who chose at the last minute to back out from finishing his fifth year of eligibility because of birth certificate problems. In an interview with GMA News.TV, UST coach Pido Jarencio admitted that the absence of Duncil has left a big void in their quest to win back-to-back titles. But this, he said, does not mean that they are no longer formidable. “We are in the same boat we were in last year, when no one gave us a second look," Jarencio said. "Last year, we lost Jemal (Vizcarra) to injury after just one game. He was our top gun then, Duncil was supposed to be our top gun now." And yet Jarencio, though still in his rookie season back then, managed to steer the Tigers to an improbable championship run. "So, this situation is nothing new to us," he said. Jarencio explained that the Tigers continue to have the tools to compete, with Anthony Espiritu, a reedy streak-shooter who was vital in the Tigers' 2-1 conquest of Ateneo in the 2006 Finals, assuming the skipper's role. "We have players like Anthony who are ready to step up and contribute," the coach said. "It could be a blessing in disguise, because like last year, Duncil was able to step up because Vizcarra was sidelined." Jervy Cruz, the 6’-4" center-forward of the España-based cagers, will remain the focal point of the UST offense, with cunning point guard Japs Cuan to quarterback the team. Meanwhile, ex-Tiger Cubs Darryl Basa and Hector Badua will try to fill Duncil's shoes in the shooting guard position, while Rum Perry Scott, a talented transferee from Lyceum, becomes the team's third point-guard. Jarencio, at the same time, said he does not mind tagging themselves as underdogs in the 70th season, in which UST is also host, considering that seven of the other teams are also strong. “Siguro fifth or sixth lang kami this season sa dami ng mga lumakas na teams," Jarencio said. He noted the return of De La Salle University, the improvement of National University, the second place finish of Far Eastern University in the Nike Summer League, and the intact University of the East as the reasons for his prediction. Though they did not field their Team A roster in the summer leagues, UST trained and competed in Malaysia where they place second to the Malaysian national team. “Lahat ng teams pinaghandaan kami. Pero lahat sila, pinaghandaan din namin," Jarencio said. The 24-year-old Duncil earlier announced that he would rather try his luck in the PBA draft in August, joining another UAAP superstar, Ken Bono of Adamson, in skipping the collegiate league's 70th season. The UAAP board earlier found out that Duncil has two separate birth certificates, one showing his date of birth as January 13, 1982, and another as January 13, 1983. Under UAAP rules, a player is allowed to play in the league only up to 24 years old. Fr. Ermito De Sagon, UAAP board chairman, said they had to let go of Duncil to avoid an extra burden on the team. “So, as far as his person is concerned, we have no doubts against his person. He is a good boy. But the only problem is he has two NSO-certified birth certificates. One will make him ineligible. Kasi kung 1982, ineligible. Kung 1983, eligible," De Sagon said. "Now, we think that this is, as far as UST is concerned, is an additional burden, an excess load. We don't want any member of our team to have excess load. It will be a distraction to our games. We don't want to have games and put into question. Kaya better, mag-pro ka nalang." "And of course, as a matter of fact, that was his real intention," he added. "He was weighing the possibility of going pro because he was watching the list of those who will go pro. Kasi siyempre, yung player, nakakiramdam din when is the best time to turn pro. Siyempre kung maraming magagaling na mag-turn pro, mahihirapan ka rin. So parang for him, that's his decision and the family's decision and we respect it. Sa UST, hindi na namin pinag-uusapan yun." The Growling Tigers Head coach: Alfredo Jarencio Assistants: Beaujing Acot, Manny Calipes, Senen Dueñas, Edwin Escobar, Rabbi Tomacruz Lineup Dylan Ababou (6'-2") Francis Philip Allera (6'-3") John Hector Badua (5'-11") John Darryl Basa (6'-0") Mark Angelo Canlas (6'-5") Jose Cortez, Jr. (5'-10") Jervy Cruz (6'-4") John Paul Cuan (5'-7") June Dizon (6'-3") Anthony Espiritu (6'-4") Melchor Gile (6'-3") Khasim Mirza (6'-4") Rum Perry Scott (5'-9") Francis Soriano (6'-5") Additions: John Hector Badua, Darryl Basa, Khasim Mirza, Rum Perry Scott, Francis Soriano Subtractions: Allan Evangelista, Joselito Duncil, AC Marquez, Jemal Vizcarra Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles: Black takes another crack Rank: 2 Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Norman Black believes that his team is still a force to reckon with in the coming 70th University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s basketball tournament despite the departure of three of his star players from last year’s squad. In an interview, Black said that the departure of former top guns JC Intal, Doug Kramer and point guard Macky Escalona will surely be a big blow in their quest for a fourth league title this year. But the presence of key returning players and the entry of fresh talents means that the future for the team is very bright. “Losing players is part of the game. That’s part of college basketball. I lost L.A. (Tenorio) the year before, and you asked me the same question: ‘How are you guys gonna perform this year with the loss of Magnum (Membrere) and L.A.?" “And we showed that we could still be competitive with anybody in the league. I expect that to happen again this year," he said. Black also said that if their pre-season performances will be a test on how they will perform in the coming UAAP season, he said everything is going right for them. “We’ve won like 24 straight games this off-season," Black said. "We won the Fr. Martin Cup against San Beda. We swept our games in the Nike league. So I know a lot of people think that Ateneo won’t be very good this year. That’s okay. We’ve shown that we can be very competitive with all the top college teams in the country during the off-season." “Will that lead to a championship or championship appearance again? Well, we have some players that are quite young, that we are really trying to develop right now, so we’ll have to wait and see," he explained. By young players, Black is referring to the 18-year-old Rabah Al-Hussaini, 18-year-old Eric Salamat and 17-year-old Kirk Long, both of whom are expected to be major parts of the rotation for the Ateneo squad. Black said depending on the matchup, Salamat will either back-up veteran shooting-guard Chris Tiu or play alongside him, while Long has the ability to play the one, two, and three positions. Al Hussaini will lead a frontline that boasts of three other players standing at least 6'-4": Ford Arao, Martin Quimson and rookie transferee Nonoy Baclao. Another tall player, Jobe Nkemakolam, is also ready to play and will be dangerous in the shaded lane. But even with all these tall players at his disposal, Black knows his team’s ultimate strength. “We’ll probably be set very much the same as last year, where we ended up number two in scoring and number two in defense. So there won’t be much change as far as philosophy is concerned." “We have some size that we can use. But at the same time, a lot of our game will probably be centered on Chris (Tui) and his ability to score," he explained. Black, at the same time, that despite their loss to underdog University of Santo Tomas (UST) in last year’s Finals’, they relatively had a good season. “Well, actually, last year was not disappointing. We did make it to the championship. That was much better than all the other teams except for UST," Black said. “Of course, we came up short in the championship series, so that hurt," the multi-titled coach continued. “But overall, I think my players performed well. They won a lot of games and they had an opportunity to win the championship." Just like the other coaches in the UAAP, Black foresees a tight race to the Final Four. “I don’t think there are gonna be any easy teams for us in the UAAP, at least not this year. But I would imagine La Salle’s gonna be very tough. UST, being the champions. UE, I would probably say are the favorites right now. Each team’s gonna be a very difficult outing for (the other team)," he said. The Blue Eagles Coach: Norman Black Assistants: Sandy Arrespacochaga, Gabby Severino, Jamike Jarin, Gene Afable Line-up (as of June 13) Rabah Al-Hussaini (6’-7") Raymond Austria (6’-2") Claiford Arao (6’-5") Severino Baclao (6’-4") Ken Joseph Barracoso (6’-2") Yuri Escueta (5’-8") Zion Laterre (6’-3") Kirk Long (6’-0") Eman Monfort (5’-7") Jobe Nkemakolam (6’-3") Jose Antonio Reyes (5’-8") Eric Salamat (5’-10") Christopher John Tiu (5’-10") Chris Sumalinog Mike Baldos Chris Sumalinog Additions: Assistant coach Gene Afable, Bacon Austria, Nonoy Baclao, Kirk Long, Jobe Nkemakolam Subtractions: Macky Escalona, JC Intal, Doug Kramer, Johann Uichico University of the East Red Warriors: Starting all over again Rank: 3 In the 60s and 70s, the UE Red Warriors were the toast of collegiate basketball aficionados for recordiong seven-straight basketball titles. But now, they're suffering in the UAAP, having not won a crown since their last in 1985, behind illustrious players such as Allan Caidic, Jerry Codiñera, and Boysie Zamar. Actually, it was also the same old story for UE last season — a strong showing in off-season tournaments, a solid line-up, a sure shot to make it to the Final Four, a good bet to make it to the the finals. But just like other UE teams in recent years, last year’s edition came up short in the Final Four. Short of a missed tip-in, to be exact. According to UE coach Dindo Pumaren, they have no choice but to move on, start all over again and hope that for this year, they will be good enough to reach the UAAP finals and finally bag a men’s basketball title. “Same goal as last year, gusto pa rin namin makapasok ng finals," Pumaren said. “Ito na ang pinakamagandang chance naming kasi next year ang dami nang mawawalang (players), so iyon ang motivation naming." There is also that incident involving one of his former star-players during their Final Four battle against eventual champion UST, an incident Pumaren is not quick to forget. “After what happened last year, who knows kung ano sana ang nangyari kung hindi nagkaroon ng problema," he said, obviously still ruing what could have been, but at the same time using it as extra motivation. “But the way I look at it, the players are very aggressive right now and looking forward to the UAAP. Especially, now that I have five of my players na nakakuha ng PBL experience. Yun malaking bagay iyun," he said. Pumaren is referring to his star players Marcy Arellano, Mark Borboran, Elmer Espiritu, Jorel Cañizares, and Kelvin Gregorio. Arellano is still his usual deadly self from the outside, while the four others, along with sophomores Narciso Llagas and Hans Thiele and rookie Mark Fampulme, form a very deep frontline rotation. It’s so deep that Borboran will now be starting at his more natural small forward position, with Cañizares, a very capable three-point artist himself, being his chief reliever. With Borboran at the three spot, the six-four Espiritu at the four spot, and the 6'-5" Gregorio manning the slot, the Warriors boast of a formidable frontline — tall, athletic, and experienced. Pumaren said Gregorio has improved the most from last year. He’s now more assertive under the boards, plus he’s added a few good post moves that suit his athleticism. Espiritu, on the other hand, will take care of the shot blocking chores and the rest of the dirty work like he always does. UE’s backcourt isn’t too shabby, either, with Arellano sliding to the two spot where he is more comfortable and second-year player James Martinez getting a shot at running the point. The main guard off the bench is the rookie Paul Lee, who spent last year in UE’s training pool. A member of the 2005 NCAA juniors champion SSC Staglets, Lee is quick with good offensive moves. A pair of sophomores, Rudy Lingganay and Jun Bandaying, will rotate at the point and allow Martinez to spend some time at the shooting guard position where he is deadliest. Maybe it’s the ghost of past failures which have made him wary, but despite this talented bunch, Pumaren downplays their chances, and dismisses the idea that they’re among the top two seeds this year. “No, I don’t think so. UST is there, La Salle malakas din. I think kaya kami rated is because of my players’ PBL experience," he said. The Red Warriors Head coach: Dindo Pumaren Assistants: Bong Ravena, Lawrence Yulo Lineup Val Acuña (6’-2") Marcelino Arellano III (5’-10") Fhadzmir Bandaying (5’-10") Mark Anthony Borboran (6’-3") Jorel Cañizares (6’-2") Elmer Espiritu (6’-4") Gino Etrone (6’-0") Mark Fampulme (6’-4") Kelvin Gregorio (6’-5") Paul Lee (6’-0") Rudy Lingganay (5’-10") Narciso Llagas (6’-4") James Vincent Martinez (5’-9") Rafael Reyes (5’-8") Hans Thiele (6’-5") Additions: Val Acuña, Gino Etrone, Mark Fampulme, Paul Lee Subtractions: Lawrence Briones, Bonbon Custodio, PG Rob Labagala Adamson University Soaring Falcons: Life without 2006 Bono and coach Austria (Rank: 4) Another year, another coach. That, in a nutshell, is the Adamson Falcons' situation as they enter Season 70 with their fourth head coach in as many years. And although new coach Bogs Adornado was an assistant to Leo Austria last year, it hardly guarantees a smooth transition for the team. For one thing, their 6’-5" star player and last year’s MVP, Ken Bono, is gone, apparently not wanting to have anything to do with starting over again with a new coach and new set of players. But Adornado doesn’t think they’re all that bad. “We have a program that we’re following," Adornado, a three-time PBA MVP, said. “We still run some of the patterns of Leo. It’s still there. Nadagdagan lang ng kaunti. I just hope so, ma-reach man lang naming ang fourth place. But as you know, Bono is no longer around so mas mahihirapan kami." With Bono’s absence, Adornado said sweet-shooting guard Patrick Cabahug is now the Falcons’ main man. Adornado himself admitted that with Bono gone, their inside game went from dominating to virtually non-existent. Roel Hugnatan is still there, but he will be hard-pressed to man the post since his fellow frontliners – Allan Santos, Rey Gorospe plus greenhorn Julius Colina – are serviceable at best. Cabahug averaged 13.8 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, and he must surpass those numbers this year if the Falcons are to have any chance. He should easily average at least 15 points a game. With another season’s worth of PBL experience, expect him to be among the league’s top three scorers. Another veteran, Leo Canuday, is thankfully back at full strength after that unspeakable freak elbow injury he suffered last year. Canuday will be leading a young guard corps composed of promising point guard Jerick Cañada, off-guard Aldrin Margallo, and sophomore Paul Gonzalgo. But promising as they are, these guys are hardly among the league’s elite. A fifth guard, Mico Pacheco, sadly will miss the entire season after falling victim to a group of holduppers who smashed his jaw. Pacheco, a talented and athletic shooter, is supposed to play a bigger role this season, and his loss, while not comparable to that of Bono’s, will hurt nonetheless. Also, Marc Agustin injured his knee again and will have to sit out the season as well. Adornado is pretty high on Cañada, a find from Cebu who is a major upgrade over Marvin Poloyapoy and Margallo, a six-foot guard who hails from Samar. "Na-develop lang itong mga ito from our Team B," he says, with a hint of pride in his voice. "Wala kaming Class A player from other schools na ready to play. We have to develop our own talents," he added. A last-minute addition who might yet prove to be a star is Olalia, the ex-Baby Falcon who averaged 14.1 points and 11.2 rebounds as a power forward for the jayvee last season. But standing just a shade over six feet, he may need to adjust first to playing small forward. Overall, though, the Falcons marching back to the Final Four will not be easy. The loss of Bono will be difficult to overcome, and Adornado simply doesn’t have enough talent to work with, nor enough time to harness whatever talent he does have. Adamson will be lucky to finish fifth. Adornado also thinks this year will see several teams slug it out for top honors. “UST, UE, even La Salle has a strong line-up. And even Ateneo, everybody. Sa akin, ang dark horse is NU, because they’re still intact. In fact, nadagdagan pa sila." The Soaring Falcons Head coach: William “Bogs" Adornado Assistants: Jing Ruiz, Mon Santos Line-up (as of June 13): Patrick Cabahug (6’-2") Jerick Cañada (5’-8") Leo Canuday (5’-10") Jan Julius Colina (6’-3") Francisco dela Paz (6’-1") Paul Gonzalgo (5’-9") Reynaldo Gorospe (6’-4") Roel Hugnatan (6’-5") Jonas Lozada (6’-2") Aldrin Margallo (6’-0") Jeff Olalia (6’-0") Allan Dominic Santos (6’-4") Junard Yambot – (6’-2") Additions: Jerick Cañada, Jan Julius Colina, Francisco dela Paz, Jonas Lozada, Aldrin Margallo, Jeff Olalia Subtractions: Coach Leo Austria, Marc Agustin, Arnold Basilio, Ken Bono, JB Orera, Mico Pacheco, Marvin Poloyapoy, Mike Yong (Note: the coaching staff is still evaluating whether to fill up the rexamining two slots, and if so, which player or players to tap.) Far Eastern University Tamaraws: A new look for 70th season Rank: 5 Last year, Anton Montinola, FEU’s board representative, blew his top then blew up his team late last year for earning the dubious distinction of becoming the first defending champion to finish out of the Final Four. A lot of people openly wondered then whether he also partially blew up his mind and overreacted. After all, the Tamaraws weren’t really picked to repeat last year, so what was the big deal? Whatever the real reason, it really doesn’t matter anymore because the Tamaraws have always stockpiled on talent and has a big pool from which to choose new players. Although dropping an experienced big man like RB Mangahas and a promising athlete like Billy Ray Afable may have been questionable, majority of those who got axed were easily replaceable. However, the FEU Tamaraws enters the 70th UAAP Season with new coach Glenn Capacio, himself a former Tamaraw, and new players in its fold ready to wage war against other teams in the hope of redeeming lost pride and glory since winning three basketball titles from 2003 to 2005. With 10 rookies, the most of any team this coming season, FEU can have a fresh start under Capacio, who nonetheless remains cautious about his team’s chances this year. He also does not feel pressured to produce results right away following that much-publicized disbandment. “Wala naman masyadong pressure from the school. Sa ngayon, ang target talaga namin at least makapasok kami sa Final Four," the former King Tamaraw of the 80s said. “Kasi yung iba, malalakas talaga ang teams, like UE, La Salle, and UST. So jumpball na lang yung five six and seven (places). Pero nakikita ko naman sa mga bata, fighting team itong team ko. So anything can happen," he added. Capacio has everything to be hopeful when he has promising rookies like JR Cawaling, Mark Barroca, and Ron Sanga, whom he named as the newcomers most likely to get lots of minutes and contribute right away. There is also Riel Cervantes, a 6'-2" forward, and Jens Knuttle, a point guard who will back up Barroca. These five form the core of a very promising future for the Tamaraws. However, Capacio said even with these talented youngsters on board, ultimately the team will live and die with its veterans. All five of them — especially front-liners JR Gerilla and Mac Baracael — will be at the forefront of the Tamaraws’ attack. Providing support in the wings will be Benedict Fernandez and Marlon Adolfo, the only two remnants of FEU’s 2005 champion team. The fifth veteran is second-year player Archie Reyes, who had more games played (nine) than total points scored (five) last season. “We still have good players in our fold ready to provide the spunk and the firepower for this year’s UAAP season. Who knows maybe with a good showing we can even land in the Final Four and compete for the championship," Capacio said. Though most of FEU’s players are new, scouts from other teams said that the Tamaraws remain formidable what with their long-history of recruiting outstanding young players already a legend in the UAAP. “Never underestimate FEU," an opposing team’s scout said.. “They always know how to recruit talent and keep that talent hidden until they’re ready for the big time," he added. (Francis T. Wakefield) The Tamaraws Head coach: Glenn Capacio Assistants: Lord Nino Albar, Aboy Castro, Potit De Vera Additions: Sanny Abaring, John Alisbo, Mark Barroca, Ron Cabagnot, JR Cawaling, Riel Cervantes, Jens Knuttle, Aldrech Ramos, Ron Sanga, Jun Tanuan Subtractions: Coach Bert Flores, Billy Ray Afable, Francis Barcellano, Jeff Chan, John Dela Cruz, John Gonzales, RB Mangahas, Jerome Villanueva, Jonas Villanueva, and McJan Vinluan Final lineup Sanny Abaring (6’-4") Marlon Adolfo (6’-2") John Alisbo (5’-9") Marnel Baracael (6’-4") Mark Barroca (5’-9") Ron Cabagnot (6’-1") JR Cawaling (6’-3") Riel Cervantes (6’-2") Benedict Fernandez (6’-0") Alfred Gerilla (6’-5") Jens Knuttle (5’-9") Aldrech Ramos (6’-6") Arthur Reyes (6’-2") Ron Sanga (6’-3") Edgar Tanuan Jr. (6’-3") University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons: The make-over continues Rank: 6 Having come up with arguably the best recruiting class of the season, the UP Maroons had to make way for their talented newcomers and once again have a roster with more rookies than veterans. It's a price coach Joe Lipa, former national team mentor, is willing to pay if it means a competitive team down the road, though he realizes it will also mean this year's team will take its share of lumps. "We have six sophomores, two juniors, and seven rookies on the team," Lipa said. "And the seven rookies are fresh from high school. They don’t know our program, and they have to do a lot of adjustment in our system. And you know, all the disadvantages that go with a young team are there. But we are trying to remedy this, and we are hoping for a winning season." The junior players Lipa are referring to are veteran shooting guard Vic Epres, who is on his final year, and the comebacking Jay Agbayani, who will be entering his fourth season. Also, the sixth sophomore is Andrew Marfori, a sophomore in college but a rookie in the UAAP. Regardless, it's still a young team, and although the talent is there, there's still a lot of ground to cover. "We have to improve a lot on our defensive rotation," Lipa continued. "Of course, rebounding will be a problem for us because our big men are not that dominant. And we have to improve a lot on our motion offense." The rebounding aspect is indeed a cause for concern. A little-known fact among UAAP fans is that the team's best rebounder last year was actually point-guard Marvin Cruz (7.9 average per game), who won’t be returning this year because of graduation. Left to fill the void are rookies Marfori and Soc Rivera and sophomore Magi Sison, none of whom, as Lipa pointed out, are particularly dominant underneath. Marfori is perhaps the best-skilled among the three, a player who always knows where he should be on the court and who is a good weak-side help defender, but he's not particularly agile and at a shade under six-four is undersized. Rivera is immensely talented, an athletic 6'-4" man who runs the court well, can shoot from afar, and is probably the team's best shot blocker. But he's reed-thin and can easily be pushed around. Sison, meanwhile, is the most tantalizing prospect among the three, and at the same time the most frustrating. The tallest player on the team at 6’-6", he can either show flashes of brilliance or make Lipa's blood boil with botched play after botched play. The lack of big men will mean top man VJ Serios will have to spend some time at the power forward spot, which is a pity because he is more effective playing the wing where he can create mismatches and where he is probably the team's best defender. This all means that UP will still rely on its run-and-gun philosophy. They certainly have the tools: Snipers Migs De Asis and Martin Reyes will alternate at the two-spot where they will almost certainly be among the league leaders in three-point shots. For backup, the team elevated Czarlo Dela Victoria from the training pool, while Serios, Epres, Woody Co, and rookie Mark Lopez also have the range from outside. The "run" part will be anchored by rookie point guards Mike Gamboa and Dexter Rosales. In fact, everyone on this team can run, which is crucial. The Maroons have to attempt to fastbreak every chance they get because, just like last year's team, they will have trouble against bigger and more experienced opponents in a half-court set. Although lacking in big men that could collar both the defense and offensive board, Lipa remains optimistic that they have a good showing this year. Lipa, who gave UP its first and last championship in 1986 behind star players Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Eric Altamirano, will also have problems with the defensive end as his crew is sort of lacking in defensive stoppers, particularly in the back court with Gamboa and De Asis, in particular, being terrible man-to-man defenders. "We'll try very hard. It's not far from happening, but one thing's for sure, we'll give it our best shot," Lipa said. So which teams are his heavy favorites? "La Salle, based on their performance in the two summer leagues, I would say would be seeded number one, number two would be UE, then FEU, number four would be a toss-up between UST and NU." The Fighting Maroons Head coach: Jose Lipa Assistants: Ramil Cruz, Mark Jomalesa, Jojo Villa Lineup: Jayfelson Agbayani (6'-2") Woodward John Co (6'-3") Miguel Antonio De Asis (5'-9") Czarlo Dela Victoria (6'-2") Victor Mel Epres (6'-1") Michael Joseph Gamboa (5'-7") Dionisio Hipolito III (6'-2") Mark Anthony Lopez (6'-1") Santos Andrew Marfori (6'-4") Martin John Reyes (6'-0") Socrates Rivera (6'-4") Dexter Rosales (5'-8") Virgilio Serios Jr. (6'-3") Magi King Sison (6'-6") Julius Paul Wong (6'-1") Additions: Jayfelson Agbayani, Czarlo Dela Victoria, Michael Gamboa, Dionisio Hipolito, Mark Lopez, Andrew Marfori, Socrates Rivera, Dexter Rosales, Julius Wong Subtractions: Arvin Braganza, Ira Buyco, Galen Cacha, Marvin Cruz, Nestor David, Francis Maniego, Dan Salvador, Paul Sorongon National University Bulldogs: Out of the doghouse? Rank: 7 The NU Bulldogs, last year’s cellar-dwellers, are ready to kick some serious booty this season, and coach Manny Dandan knows it. “Oh, yes, definitely," he said in reply when asked if they had a chance at the Final Four tournament. Dandan feels good about his team for the first time in a long while. And it’s not just because starters Edwin Asoro, Jonathan Fernandez, and Joseph Lingao-lingao are now PBL veterans. He said his bench players can also be tapped whenever their services are needed. “Yung bench namin ngayon, binibigyan ko ng exposure right now, so yung confidence level mataas na compared to last year. But ang pinakamalaki naming problema ngayon pag bumabalik yung mga PBL players. I’m expecting that the bench with the three of them, aangat sila sabay-sabay," he said. The bench refers to, in particular, “(Cyrus) Malagueño, (Jewel) Ponferrada, and Raymond Aguilar. “The whole bench is really contributing. Yun ang magandang nangyari ngayon," he explained. The Bulldogs actually performed well in the pre-season Fil-Oil tournament, reaching the semifinals and even beating NCAA champion San Beda in the elimination round. Dandan’s bench is the strongest in recent years. Credit that to his two promising recruits, Aguilar and Ponferrada, two big men who can score and rebound. The two will be the perfect complement to the versatile Asoro and the much-improved Lingao-lingao, whose PBL exposure now makes them one of the best 4-5 combinations in the league. In fact, with Aguilar and Ponferrada ready to contribute, Dandan even has the luxury of playing Asoro at the small forward spot, where he is sure to create mismatches with his height and athleticism, and the sweet-shooting Fernandez at the shooting guard position, where he can also be a match-up problem. The veterans Malagueño and Chris Catamora (it’s Chris’s turn to play this year, last year it was brother Dave) can be relied upon to provide steady minutes, while sophomores Jessie Garcia and Ryan dela Cruz are now more experienced. But the player who improved the most is point guard Jonathan Jahnke. These early basketball pundits’ is penciling him in for a Most Improved Player award as his shooting has gone up leaps and bounds and he’s playing even better defense. Yet even with all these improvements, Dandan knows better than to be overly optimistic. “UE, La Salle, Ateneo, FEU are the strong teams," he said. “It’s going to be a tight race talaga. Anything can happen this season." The only thing going against NU is that other teams are equally capable of making the semifinals. This team has got what it takes, no doubt. But each year, it’s always been a question of mental toughness for this motley crew. If the bench has matured like Dandan says it has, then NU has as good a shot as any at making it to the post-season party. The Bulldogs Head coach: Manny Dandan Assistants: Chico Manabat, Jeff Napa Lineup Raymond John Aguilar (6’-4"0 Edwin Asoro (6’-3") Mervin Boloran (6’-2") Christopher Catamora (6’-1") Ryan dela Cruz (6’-3") Jonathan Fernandez (6’-2") Aaron Paul Galapon (6’-1") Jessie Floyd Garcia (6’-2") Jonathan Jahnke (5’-9") Joseph Lingao-Lingao (6’-5") Michael Luy (5’-9") Cyrus Malagueno (5’-9") Jewel Ponferrada (6’-4") Michael Salvado (5’-10") Joseph Tesoro (5’-10") Additions: Raymond Aguilar, Chris Catamora, Mervin Boloran, Aaron Galapon, Jewel Ponferrada, Joseph Tesoro Subtractions: Dave Catamora, Julian Cooper, Howard Flor, Jason Malcontento, Benner John Salamat De La Salle University Green Archers: Back and hungry for a title Rank: Suspended last year The Dela Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, after missing the 69th UAAP season due to suspension, is back in the league and hungry to bag another UAAP title. After an 18-month off-season, they are now considered by the seven other UAAP coaches as the most prepared and the most motivated team after winning both the Nike Summer League and Fil-Oil Pre-Season Tournament. “Well, actually, I don’t know if you can call it motivation, but the players are excited to make a comeback," coach Franz Pumaren said. “We just want to move on and compete against the other teams in the hope of winning another UAAP title," Pumaren, who was the architect of DLUS’s four-peat champions team from 1997 to 2001, added. DLSU, according to basketball pundits, will be the most dangerous team as they are deep in every position and just raring to get back into the league and rip through the opposition. Credit, according to the basketball scholars, should go to Pumaren for holding the team together while they were serving their suspension. “During those months, it was so hard to motivate them (players) because they knew we weren’t playing in a major tournament, and it was so hard to really have a good practice," he said. “But we used (that time away) to conduct outreach programs, basketball clinics in the south. Then of course I think it made the players mature faster and they bonded together as well." “We’re coming in just trying to be competitive this season because as well all know even though we played four, five, minor tournaments, it’s still different playing in the UAAP," he said. Pumaren’s quest to give La Salle its seventh UAAP basketball crown will rest on the back court tandem of TY Tang and Cholo Villanueva. He added that other players and key recruits from the off-season are also ready to be tapped whenever they are needed by the team. Tang, considered as the top point guard in the league, will be there to orchestrate the plays for the team, while Villanueva, though not flashy, have matured into a very dependable off-guard who knows how to pick his pick his spots. Shooters like JV Casio and rookie Bader Malabes (coming off the bench) are also there ready to shoot the lights out every given day. Meanwhile, Simon Atkins, the highly touted point guard from La Salle-Zobel, will be Tang’s chief back-up. At the small forward spot, veterans James Mangahas and OJ Cua, both standing at 6’-3", will alternate to give the Archers the inside presence it needs. Pumaren also has the luxury of fielding in a triple post frontline with big men Rico Maierhofer, Kish Co, and PJ Walsham joining forces with rookies Marko Batricevic, Brian Ilad, and Ferdinand. That’s six players standing at least six-four, with Maierhofer and Walsham capable of sliding to the three spot. Of these six, Maierhofer is clearly the most talented, and he seems poised to have a breakout season. He will be among the top five or six players in the entire league, and this early is being mentioned in MVP discussions. Co, while still a bit slow afoot, is a smart player who can give quality minutes off the bench, while Ilad is the team’s new resident enforcer underneath. Batricevic, meanwhile, is still adjusting to life in the post, but his baby hook is almost impossible to block. Walsham is a veteran but needs to improve while Ferdinand is still raw and will spend more time on the bench than on the floor. As imposing as their frontline is, the Archers are also flexible enough to go with a three-guard line-up if they so choose. Malabes, Peejay Barua, and rookie swingman Rejan Lee can all play the two and three spots effectively. Barua, though, is coming off an injury that sidelined him for most of the year, so expect him to be on the sidelines initially. Lee, who spent two seasons in La Salle’s developmental pool, is like a young Joseph Yeo in terms of athleticism and moxie. If there’s one thing that may be lacking from this team which previous DLSU champion teams had, it’s that one transcendent superstar whom you just knew would step up in big games. Right now the team does not have the likes of a Ren-Ren Ritualo, Joseph Yeo, or Mac-Mac Cardona. Maierhofer probably comes closest, but as of now, he’s not yet in the same league as those three. (Note: La Salle’s Serbian big man Marko Batricevic, who had waited two agonizing years to make his UAAP debut, will have to wait after suffering a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last week. And since La Salle’s lineup had already been submitted when he was injured, the Green Archers can’t replace him.) The Green Archers Head coach: Franz Pumaren Assistants: Tyrone Bautista, Jack Santiago, Joey Sta. Maria Final lineup Simon Atkins (5’-8") Marko Batricevic (6’-6") Peejay Barua (6’-2") Joseph Evans Casio (5’-9") Kish Grover Co (6’-4") Oliver John Cua (6’-3") Ferdinand (Indonesian– 6’-5") Brian Ilad (6’-4") Rejan Lee (5’-11") Rico Maierhofer (6’-5") Bader Malabes (6’-0") James Mangahas (6’-3") Tyrone Tang (5’-9") Pocholo Inigo Villanueva (5’-10") Arthur Peter John Walsham (6’-4") Additions: Simon Atkins, Marko Batricevic, Ferdinand, Brian Ilad, Rejan Lee, Bader Malabes Subtractions: Junjun Cabatu, Ryan Araña, JR Aquino, Mark Benitez, Lionel Rivera 2006-2007 UAAP basketball team standings (Wins-Losses) Ateneo Blue Eagles (10-2) UE Red Warriors (8-4) UST Growling Tigers (6-6) Adamson Soaring Falcons (6-6) FEU Tamaraws (5-7) UP Fighting Maroons (4-8) NU Bulldogs (3-9) De La Salle Green Archers (Suspended)

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