Here we go with my thoughts on the upcoming UAAP teams, segmented into the eight schools. Part 1 involves the schools who played on opening day. This is Part 2, which will involve the schools playing later today.
5. Adamson University
Projected rotation (Clutch five in bold): Rodney Brondial, Roider Cabrera, Jericho Cruz, Axel Inigo, Ryan Monteclaro, Harry Petilos, Jansen Rios, Ingrid Sewa
Last season's flight was aborted due to Alex Nuyles' injury. That pretty much meant they spent last season preparing for this season. Now as hosts, Leo Austria will look at Jericho Cruz to carry the offensive load and burden. This after you saw in the opening yesterday how former Falcon legends Hector Calma and Kenneth Duremdes hand Jericho the torch. Ingrid Sewa also is around to provide help for Rodney Brondial, but unless his paperwork's aight, he could cost the Falcons wins. Cabrera, Petilos and Rios are there to provide shooting. As for Monteclaro, he has had a year to get accustomed to being the man at the point.
Underrated guy/s to watch: I am really really high on Axel Inigo. How high? I think he can usurp the lead point guard duties from Monteclaro, ala Henry Asilum.
6. University of the Philippines
Projected rotation (clutch five in bold): Henry Asilum, Chris Ball, JR Gallarza, Kyles Lao, Sam Marata, Andre Paras, Martin Pascual, Mikee Reyes, Raul Soyud, Julius Wong
Coming off a 1-13 season, the Fighting Maroons have nowhere to go but up. Adding assets is the name of the game for Ricky Dandan, as freshmen Andre Paras and Kyles Lao, with returnee Mikee Reyes and transferee Sam Marata joining a cast of holdovers that include Henry Asilum and Chris Ball.
Underrated guy/s to watch: With Mark Lopez graduating and Jett Manuel held out for this season, it is important that Mikee be able to help with the quarterbacking chores.
7. National University
Projected rotation (clutch five in bold): Jay Alejandro, Joshua Alolino, Alfred Dong Aroga, Jeff Javillonar, Emmanuel Mbe, Bobby Ray Parks, jr., Robin Rono, Troy Rosario, Dennis Villamor
They fell short last year, when they were the UAAP hosts. This year, with the possibility that Parks might just jump to the draft, the pressure is on Coach E, especially with the Bulldogs falling short against UE in the Premier Cup. They are primed to make a run with the core intact and with the addition of new faces in Alejandro and Aroga (in his case, once his paperwork's fixed).
Underrated guy/s to watch: Alolino and Rono are the veteran guards tasked to handle playmaking responsibilities. Their development is essential for the team if it has finals aspirations.
8. Ateneo de Manila University
Projected rotation (clutch five in bold): Ryan Buenafe, Nico Elorde, Poy Erram, Frank Golla, Chris Newsome, Von Pessumal, Kiefer Ravena, Juami Tiongson, Vince Tolentino
The quest for the sixth straight title might just be its most challenging ever, losing five key cogs (Slaughter, Chua, Salva, Sumalinog and Gonzaga) and Norman Black. Now inserted into the picture is Bo Perasol, and visions of run-and-gun and small ball enter the frame, an offense that would be tailored around Kiefer Ravena and his skill set.
Underrated guy/s to watch: With Tiongson entering his final year, Nico Elorde needs to be ready so that he can take over next season (and sort of be the bridge into the Jerie Pingoy era). Considering size deficiencies, Frank Golla needs to be the big man down low to go against the Mammies, Sewas and Abduls of the UAAP.
Projected win record:
NU - 11-3
Ateneo 9-5
UST - 8-6
UE - 8-6
La Salle 7-7
FEU 6-8
Adamson 4-10
UP 2-12
5. Adamson University
Projected rotation (Clutch five in bold): Rodney Brondial, Roider Cabrera, Jericho Cruz, Axel Inigo, Ryan Monteclaro, Harry Petilos, Jansen Rios, Ingrid Sewa
Last season's flight was aborted due to Alex Nuyles' injury. That pretty much meant they spent last season preparing for this season. Now as hosts, Leo Austria will look at Jericho Cruz to carry the offensive load and burden. This after you saw in the opening yesterday how former Falcon legends Hector Calma and Kenneth Duremdes hand Jericho the torch. Ingrid Sewa also is around to provide help for Rodney Brondial, but unless his paperwork's aight, he could cost the Falcons wins. Cabrera, Petilos and Rios are there to provide shooting. As for Monteclaro, he has had a year to get accustomed to being the man at the point.
Underrated guy/s to watch: I am really really high on Axel Inigo. How high? I think he can usurp the lead point guard duties from Monteclaro, ala Henry Asilum.
6. University of the Philippines
Projected rotation (clutch five in bold): Henry Asilum, Chris Ball, JR Gallarza, Kyles Lao, Sam Marata, Andre Paras, Martin Pascual, Mikee Reyes, Raul Soyud, Julius Wong
Coming off a 1-13 season, the Fighting Maroons have nowhere to go but up. Adding assets is the name of the game for Ricky Dandan, as freshmen Andre Paras and Kyles Lao, with returnee Mikee Reyes and transferee Sam Marata joining a cast of holdovers that include Henry Asilum and Chris Ball.
Underrated guy/s to watch: With Mark Lopez graduating and Jett Manuel held out for this season, it is important that Mikee be able to help with the quarterbacking chores.
7. National University
Projected rotation (clutch five in bold): Jay Alejandro, Joshua Alolino, Alfred Dong Aroga, Jeff Javillonar, Emmanuel Mbe, Bobby Ray Parks, jr., Robin Rono, Troy Rosario, Dennis Villamor
They fell short last year, when they were the UAAP hosts. This year, with the possibility that Parks might just jump to the draft, the pressure is on Coach E, especially with the Bulldogs falling short against UE in the Premier Cup. They are primed to make a run with the core intact and with the addition of new faces in Alejandro and Aroga (in his case, once his paperwork's fixed).
Underrated guy/s to watch: Alolino and Rono are the veteran guards tasked to handle playmaking responsibilities. Their development is essential for the team if it has finals aspirations.
8. Ateneo de Manila University
Projected rotation (clutch five in bold): Ryan Buenafe, Nico Elorde, Poy Erram, Frank Golla, Chris Newsome, Von Pessumal, Kiefer Ravena, Juami Tiongson, Vince Tolentino
The quest for the sixth straight title might just be its most challenging ever, losing five key cogs (Slaughter, Chua, Salva, Sumalinog and Gonzaga) and Norman Black. Now inserted into the picture is Bo Perasol, and visions of run-and-gun and small ball enter the frame, an offense that would be tailored around Kiefer Ravena and his skill set.
Underrated guy/s to watch: With Tiongson entering his final year, Nico Elorde needs to be ready so that he can take over next season (and sort of be the bridge into the Jerie Pingoy era). Considering size deficiencies, Frank Golla needs to be the big man down low to go against the Mammies, Sewas and Abduls of the UAAP.
Projected win record:
NU - 11-3
Ateneo 9-5
UST - 8-6
UE - 8-6
La Salle 7-7
FEU 6-8
Adamson 4-10
UP 2-12
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