Here we go with my thoughts on the upcoming UAAP teams, segmented into the eight schools. Part 1 involves the schools playing on opening day, which is later today. Part 2 will come out later and will involve the schools playing tomorrow.
1. Far Eastern University
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Reymark Belo, Carl Cruz, Anthony Hargrove, Christian Sentcheu, Gryann Mendoza.
New coach. Same issues. But Nash Racela is hell-bent on installing his system and having RR and TR run the offense. You still have the specter of Anton Montinola somewhere on that bench. They don't really have new faces that can contribute immediately (and one key piece will be missing the season in Russell Escoto), so is the core good enough to make it to the Final Four?
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: Carl Cruz. He'll be the best big man on this Tamaraw team. Off the bench, Reymark Belo's ability to play both forward positions will be handy if Nash goes small-ball or if Cruz needs a breather.
2. University of the East
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): Lord Casajeros, Jai Flores, Chris Javier, Gino Jumao-as, Charles Mammie, JM Noble, Ralf Olivares, Adi Santos, JR Sumido, Roi Sumang
If there is a "League Pass" team in the UAAP, they would be a close second to Ateneo. Boyzie Zamar has gotten these "New Warriors" working hard and going all out against their opposition. Credit them for making the initial exposure of La Salle's woes (ending their winning streak and setting things up for the fall of Gee). The trappings for the run were already prevalent last year, thanks to his arrival after the dismal Jerry Codinera experience. The Filoil Premier Cup championship over NU showed that his efforts are already bearing fruit for the Sumang and Friends.
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: Lord Casajeros as a lesser version of Ronald Tubid? Possible, right? He's the perimeter lynchpin but can catch fire, too. Ralf Olivares is Roi's understudy, and he wants to make his only year in the UAAP a memorable one.
3. De La Salle University
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): Robert Bolick, Jason Perkins, LA Revilla, Gab Reyes, Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres, Norbert Torres, Arnold Van Opstal, Almond Vosotros
After a sizzling start in the Filoil Premier Cup, they fizzled, losing three of its final four matches, including their final round robin match against Ateneo. You may choose to interpret the true meaning of the shuffle to have Gee replaced by Juno Sauler. The preseason allowed fans to get a good glimpse out of Jason Perkins, who beasted down low, and be impressed by Gab Reyes' play. Talented, yes. But are they matured enough? We'll see.
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: It's time that Thomas Torres take the reigns as the main playmaker for the Green Archers.
4. University of Santo Tomas
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): Karim Abdul, Clark Bautista, Ed Daquioag, Kevin Ferrer, Aljon Mariano, Kim Lo, Paulo Pe, Jeric Teng
The core is intact, save for one. And it is a big one. Pido Jarencio rode the heck out of Jeric Fortuna last season, and he delivered for the most part. They'll need someone to stabilize things this season. Ed proved to be adequate compared to the shoot-first Clark and the unimpressive Robin Tan and Jamal Sheriff. Otherwise, the stage is set for a possible return to the finals, with the ATM (Abdul, Teng & Mariano) dispensing points.
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: The aforementioned Ed Daquioag.
1. Far Eastern University
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Reymark Belo, Carl Cruz, Anthony Hargrove, Christian Sentcheu, Gryann Mendoza.
New coach. Same issues. But Nash Racela is hell-bent on installing his system and having RR and TR run the offense. You still have the specter of Anton Montinola somewhere on that bench. They don't really have new faces that can contribute immediately (and one key piece will be missing the season in Russell Escoto), so is the core good enough to make it to the Final Four?
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: Carl Cruz. He'll be the best big man on this Tamaraw team. Off the bench, Reymark Belo's ability to play both forward positions will be handy if Nash goes small-ball or if Cruz needs a breather.
2. University of the East
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): Lord Casajeros, Jai Flores, Chris Javier, Gino Jumao-as, Charles Mammie, JM Noble, Ralf Olivares, Adi Santos, JR Sumido, Roi Sumang
If there is a "League Pass" team in the UAAP, they would be a close second to Ateneo. Boyzie Zamar has gotten these "New Warriors" working hard and going all out against their opposition. Credit them for making the initial exposure of La Salle's woes (ending their winning streak and setting things up for the fall of Gee). The trappings for the run were already prevalent last year, thanks to his arrival after the dismal Jerry Codinera experience. The Filoil Premier Cup championship over NU showed that his efforts are already bearing fruit for the Sumang and Friends.
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: Lord Casajeros as a lesser version of Ronald Tubid? Possible, right? He's the perimeter lynchpin but can catch fire, too. Ralf Olivares is Roi's understudy, and he wants to make his only year in the UAAP a memorable one.
3. De La Salle University
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): Robert Bolick, Jason Perkins, LA Revilla, Gab Reyes, Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres, Norbert Torres, Arnold Van Opstal, Almond Vosotros
After a sizzling start in the Filoil Premier Cup, they fizzled, losing three of its final four matches, including their final round robin match against Ateneo. You may choose to interpret the true meaning of the shuffle to have Gee replaced by Juno Sauler. The preseason allowed fans to get a good glimpse out of Jason Perkins, who beasted down low, and be impressed by Gab Reyes' play. Talented, yes. But are they matured enough? We'll see.
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: It's time that Thomas Torres take the reigns as the main playmaker for the Green Archers.
4. University of Santo Tomas
Projected rotation (Clutch 5 in bold): Karim Abdul, Clark Bautista, Ed Daquioag, Kevin Ferrer, Aljon Mariano, Kim Lo, Paulo Pe, Jeric Teng
The core is intact, save for one. And it is a big one. Pido Jarencio rode the heck out of Jeric Fortuna last season, and he delivered for the most part. They'll need someone to stabilize things this season. Ed proved to be adequate compared to the shoot-first Clark and the unimpressive Robin Tan and Jamal Sheriff. Otherwise, the stage is set for a possible return to the finals, with the ATM (Abdul, Teng & Mariano) dispensing points.
Underrated guy/s to keep tabs on: The aforementioned Ed Daquioag.
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