Action between La Salle and Adamson in UAAP Season 87. UAAP Media/File
MANILA -- After settling for a runner-up finish last year, De La Salle University starts its bid to regain the UAAP men's basketball crown on Saturday against Adamson University.
It will be a rematch of last year's Final 4 showdown between the two schools, capping a four-game slate to start the UAAP Season 88 basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
Tip-off between La Salle and Adamson is at 4:30 p.m.
Now in his third year with the Green Archers, coach Topex Robinson is taking things step by step to rebound from last season's failure to defend the championship—a disappointment that denied two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao a grand collegiate send-off.
READ: Heartbreak from the sidelines fuels Baclaan, new Archers’ redemption bid
READ: Mike Phillips captains star-studded La Salle through teamwork, sacrifice, and faith
"Our expectations for the season are clear: we want to keep growing every day and compete at the highest level. We know it's going to be a tough journey, but our focus is on consistency and building trust as a team," Robinson said.
Mike Phillips steps up as captain for a retooled De La Salle squad, embracing the chemistry with transferees Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo.
"I think the team is preparing very well. People like KQ and Josh David—you can't replace these guys. It has been a collective effort. Everyone is really pitching in. I'm proud of how much the guys bond. They are sacrificing their own roles, pride, and egos. It really makes something beautiful. Hopefully, we can showcase everything and enjoy this ride together," Phillips said.
Earl Abadam, Doy Dungo, and JC Macalalag will anchor the team, while De La Salle will also unveil its prized rookie, second-generation player Lebron Jhames Daep.
Robinson also expressed respect for the Falcons, who captured five off-season titles and are looking strong in their bid to reach the Final Four.
"As for Adamson, they had an impressive preseason, and we respect the work they put in. It pushes us to prepare harder and bring our best every time we step on the court," Robinson said.
Adamson, meanwhile, hopes to build on its successful pre-season and go deeper in the tournament. Last year, the Falcons had to play catch-up in the eliminations before securing the last spot and eventually fell to top-ranked La Salle in the Final Four.
READ: With Adamson expected to flaunt young stars, Montebon embraces role as veteran
"Lagi ko sinasabi na we acknowledge yung preseason achievements. I know it helps in our preparations, pero syempre, preseason yan—iba ang UAAP season. We don't want to dwell on past achievements. Ang gusto lang namin ay yung mga bata talagang mag-focus sa UAAP. By joining those tournaments, we were able to better prepare our players," Falcons coach Nash Racela said.
"To be honest, we really don't talk about the Final Four. Hindi pinaguusapan ‘yon. But we all know at the back of our minds what we want to achieve. We avoid discussing it to prevent adding pressure on the players," he added.
Key losses for Adamson include Joshua Yerro and Mario Barasi. The Falcons will be led by Matt Montebon, Cedrick Manzano, and Matty Erelon, with freshman Earl Medina—a Season 86 high school champion with the Baby Falcons—among the players to watch.
"I think if you follow us, the most noticeable addition has been Earl Medina. He joined us as soon as high school competitions ended and has been fully committed, participating in every tournament. That made it easy to incorporate him into the seniors' program," Racela said.
Racela added that having young talents like Medina remain with Adamson at the collegiate level is a big boost for the program.
"Unang-una, natutuwa kami dahil umakyat sila sa college. We see a lot of potential in these players, and it's our responsibility to guide them and provide opportunities for growth. We'll see how far they can go," Racela said.
Action between FEU and Ateneo in UAAP Season 87. UAAP Media/File
Elsewhere, Far Eastern University and Ateneo also begin their campaigns to bounce back from last season's disappointment in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser.
The Tamaraws, already without Veejay Pre, also lost Cholo Anoñuevo to an ACL injury during preseason, leaving second-year coach Sean Chambers to rely on a young core led by Jorick Bautista, John Rey Pasaol, Jedrick Daa, Kirby Mongcopa, and Senegalese big man Mo Konate.
Ateneo, after missing the Final Four for the first time since 2013, had a quiet rebuild as coach Tab Baldwin's team skipped major preseason tournaments. Departures of Sean Quitevis and Chris Koon, and Kristian Porter moving to another school, leave holdovers Jared Bahay, Josh Lazaro, Ian Espinosa, Shawn Tuano, and Andrew Bongo to provide collective effort.
READ: Flight to redemption — Kymani Ladi out to prove self, help Ateneo rise again
READ: How Tams went beyond their habitat to prep for Season 88
Defending champion University of the Philippines will face University of Santo Tomas tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. in the final match of the opening weekend at QPav. University of the East, now under new coach Chris Gavina, will meet National University at 1 p.m. Tickets to Sunday's doubleheader are sold separately.
In Saturday's junior high school (16-and-under) opener, the Baby Tamaraws face the Blue Eagles at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Baby Falcons-Junior Archers matchup at 10:30 a.m.
On Sunday, the Junior Warriors begin their back-to-back title bid under new coach Matthew Sia against the Bullpups at 10:30 a.m., right after the Tiger Cubs defend their home floor against the Fighting Maroons at 8:30 a.m.
The women's basketball competitions begin Wednesday at QPav to give way to Gilas' participation in the FIBA 3x3 Women's World Cup. Ateneo and UE open at 12 noon, while UP faces Adamson at 7 p.m.