UAAP Media/file
De La Salle University hopes to win consecutive UAAP collegiate men's basketball championships for the first time since completing a four-peat 25 years ago, with several key players graduating after Season 89.
Jacob Cortez, whose father Mike was part of the legendary Green Archers team that won a fourth straight title in 2001, hopes to end his collegiate career as a champion alongside Mason Amos, Earl Abadam, and JC Macalalag, who are also in their final playing year.
Now in his fourth season with La Salle, coach Topex Robinson is aware that the journey toward another crown will not be easy, starting with National University in a rematch of last year's Final Four at 2:30 p.m. today (Sunday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Being the defending champions, we understand that expectations will always be there. We embrace that. We also know teams are going to bring their best against us, and that’s something we should be excited about," Robinson said.
"For us, it’s really about staying in the moment. Not getting too high, not getting too low. Trusting each other, doing our jobs, and playing the way we know we’re capable of playing. We don’t need to be perfect. We just need to be present, connected, and committed to what we do," he added.
It will be the first meeting between the two teams since the No. 4 Green Archers defeated the top-ranked Bulldogs twice in the Final Four en route to reclaiming the throne last year.
Despite the graduation of Jake Figueroa, the Jhocson-based squad remains a solid bunch behind PJ Palacielo, Reinhard Jumamoy, Paul Francisco, and Malian student-athlete Mo Diassana, who is back after sustaining an ACL injury to his left knee two years ago.
"NU has always been a tough matchup for us. They’re big, they’re physical, and we know they’re going to challenge us in a lot of ways. But at the end of the day, we can’t be too concerned about the things we cannot control. Our focus is on us how we execute, how we compete, and how we stay together, especially when things get tough," Robinson said.
With the highly regarded "Maroon 5" led by Gerry Abadiano gone, coach Goldwin Monteverde is looking forward to a brand-new season with high hopes of competing for the title again and redeeming themselves after last year's defeat to De La Salle.
UP sets its campaign in motion against University of Santo Tomas, which remains a strong force despite the graduation of Nic Cabañero, in the 6 p.m. main game, also a rematch of last year's Final Four.
"Opening games always come with excitement and nerves. Can we stay composed? Can we execute? Can we defend consistently? And when things don’t go our way, how do we respond? Looking forward on how we start things off this Sunday," said Monteverde, who, in his sixth season, now shares the distinction with Adamson University's Nash Racela as the league's longest-tenured coach.
Still stacked as ever, the Fighting Maroons will be bannered by Noy Remogat, Gani Stevens, Jacob Bayla, and Nigerian Francis Nnoruka, along with transferees Veejay Pre and James Payosing.
"We want to be tough, disciplined and smart. That’s something we’ve been emphasizing throughout the preseason. We want teams to feel us when they play against us. We’re not there yet, but that’s the standard we’re trying to build every day,” Monteverde said.
The Growling Tigers, who impressed in the preseason leagues, will be led by sophomore Collins Akowe, Amiel Acido, Gelo Crisostomo, and Mark Llemit, while Kristian Porter will make his debut in España.
After missing the Final Four in each of the last four seasons, host Far Eastern University is determined to make it all the way this time.
The Tamaraws open their campaign against the Falcons at 12 noon.
Third-year coach Sean Chambers has lofty goals this season with an intact roster led by last year's MVP Janrey Pasaol, plus the addition of Season 88 high school boys MVP Cabs Cabonilas. Incidentally, 11 players on this year's roster are from FEU-Diliman, the league's reigning high school boys champions.
“So my realistic goal is that we can win the championship this year. I think we're that talented. But of course, you know, if we're going to win the championship, we have to make it to the final round. So realistically, our goal is the Final Four, and that was the goal when we first came in," Chambers said.
Ced Manzano is a big loss for the Soaring Falcons, who, after a slow start in the preseason, have picked up the pace in their buildup. Mathew Montebon, Manu Anabo, Matty Erolon, Ray Allen Torres, Earl Medina, and Nigerian Precious Jonah will be the vital cogs in this year's bid.
Ateneo, now handled by interim coach Louie Alas, and University of the East will make their season debuts at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, reigning 16-and-under champion NUNS and De La Salle-Zobel, tied with FEU-Diliman at 2-0, dispute the solo lead in the lone game at 9 a.m.