MANY teams have equal chances of making it to the Final Four this year.
But defending champion La Salle is still the team to beat when the men’s basketball games kick off Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Green Archers, who will miss Cameroonian big man Ben Mbala in their opening game in Sunday, may have lost four mainstays to graduation, but the maturity of their backcourt players will get them places.
“The team is okay. It’s just that Mbala won’t be playing in the first game. But, hopefully he’ll be there in the second game,” said Green Archers’ coach Aldin Ayo.
Point guard Aljun Melecio will now be the main point guard that Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres and Julian Sargent have left.
Then, there’s sophomore Ricci Rivero, who’s now the team’s new go-to guy. And with his brother Prince, they can provide courtside leadership.
Ayo talked about the Green Archers during Monday’s press conference, along with coaches Franz Pumaren of Adamson University, Sandy Arespacochaga of Ateneo de Manila University, Olsen Racela of Far Eastern University, Jamike Jarin of National University, and Bo Perasol of University of the Philippines.
Last year’s runner-up Ateneo and playoff qualifiers FEU and Adamson are also seen as the teams to beat, along with the Adamson Falcons.
Assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said they have made the necessary adjustments following a season-ending ACL injury suffered by point guard Adrian Wong two months ago, with Fil-Canadian cager Tyler Tio around.
“We have a deep bench. We’re not just relying on one person to step up,” said Arespacochaga.
The Blue Eagles clash with the Adamson at 4 p.m., while University of the East battles National University at 2 p.m.
On the other hand, the Green Archers will meet Far Eastern University on Sunday at 4 p.m.
With Reymar Jose, Monbert Arong and Mac Belo gone, the Tams play with a smaller lineup and will rely on their speed to win games.