BLUE EAGLES going for their fourth title

ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY Blue Eagles

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 16-0 (CHAMPION; beat UST in the Finals 2-0)

Coach: Tab Baldwin (5^th Season)

Subtractions (exhausted plaing years): Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Nieto, Mike Nieto, Isaac Go,

Decommitted (forgoes playing year/s): Adrian Wong, Will Navarro, Patrick Maagdenberg

 

Holdovers: Angelo Kouame, SJ Belangel, Tyler Tio, Gian Mamuyac, BJ Andrade, Troy Mallillin, Jason Credo, Geo Chiu,

Returnees: Raffy Verano, Jolo Mendoza,

Additions

Transferees: Dave Ildefonso,

Team B:  RV Berjay, Jacob Lao 

Rookies: Chris Koon (JW HS USA), Gabriel Gomez (Italy), Forthsky Padrigao (AHS), Joshua Lazaro (AHS), Kyle Ong (Jubilee), Sean Qetevis (Paref)

What might have been: Dwight Ramos, Eli Ramos,

 

Background: The Blue Eagles are coming off their most dominant season under the multi-titled Tab Baldwin era. In the Finals, they swept UST, beating them decisively 91-77 in game one then swept the league via 86-79 conquest of the Tigers to win their third straight title.

Key changes: 

Ateneo is losing the core of three-peat squad as Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Nieto, Mike Nieto & Isaac Go all exhausting their eligibility while Adrian Wong and Will Navarro opted to forego their final year. Lastly, Pat Maagdenberg,s contributions will also be missed.

Good thing the Eagles have a deep pool of talents.  SJ Belangel & Tyler Tio are set at the point Guard position while Jolo Mendoza & Raffy Verano returns to give the Eagles an impeccable shooter and experienced banger.

Angelo Kouame will still man the middle and Dave Ildefonso most probably use this season to propel himself to superstar status. Intriguing rookies are Fil-Am Chris Koon and Fil-Italian Gabriel Gomez while Forthsky Padrigao & Joshua Lazaro should make a good transition from Juniors to this Seniors squad. 

 

Outlook: 

The three-peat teams showed exceptional defense and this year’s Blue Eagles are still without a doubt defensively sound. Much improved Ivorian turned Filipino Angelo Kuoame anchors the Blue Eagle defense with Gian Mamuyac as the Blue Eagles’ best defensive player overall with Jason Credo & Joshua Lazaro getting their baptism of fire on some assignments. Their offense will most likely come from the inside with Kouame, Ildefonso, Daves, Mallillin, Verano & Geo Chiu scoring on plays & putbacks. The shooting of Mendoza, Tio, Belangel & Andrade will be complemented by rookies Gomez & Padrigao.

Lastly, the main ingredient that makes the Blue Eagles invincible is that they move as a team. Their offense is well orchestrated, individual defense is good and team defense is exceptional.

 

Prognosis: 

Ateneo is the team to beat this year. The title is theirs to lose. They have the most returning players, have a good Coach with an excellent system and the players know their roles. The blue eagles will most likely cruise to the final four and if they peak at the right time, the men in blue will be hoisting their fourth straight title.

UP Maroons: Only way to go is UP

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES FIGHTING MAROONS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 9-5 2nd place after elimination round  

Lost to UST TWICE in the stepladder semi-finals

Coach: Goldwyn Monteverde (1st Season)

Subtractions: Bright Akuhetie, Jun Manzo, Jaydee Tungcab, Jerson Prado, JJ Jaboneta, Jaybee Mantilla

Decommitted: Juan Gomez-De Liano, Javi Gomez-De Liano, Kobe Paras, Will Gozum, David Murell, Pio Longa,  

Holdovers: Ricci Rivero, Noah Webb, James Spencer, John Gob,

Additions:

Transferees:  CJ Cansino, Joel Cagulangan, Maliff Diouf,

Team B:  CJ Catapusan, Brix Ramos

Rookies: Carl Tamayo (NU), Gerry Abadiano (NU), Terrence Fortea (NU), Harold Alarcon (NU), RC Calimag (LSGH), Bismark Lina (UST),

AJ Madrigal (LSGH), Anton Eusebio, Alonso Tan, Zavier Lucero, Henry Galinato,

Background: The Maroons are coming off a disappointing season 82 where they were tapped to win it all. The Maroons got swamped by an inspired UST squad that beat them twice in the final four that led to  their unexpected exit.

Key changes: 

For the first time in so many years the UP Maroons won the recruitment wars and won it by a mile.  The Maroons got the biggest prize coming from High School by landing Carl Tamayo from NU. To make matters worse for NU, the other Bulldogs, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea and Harold Alarcon followed suit. When word got out that Tamayo is Diliman bound, it created a ripple effect that landed other high school stars namely RC Calimag of LSGH, Miguel Tan of Xavier and Bismarck Lina of UST. Then there’s more as filipino cagers abroad that joined the fray as the Maroons attracted highflyers in Zavier Lucero and Anton Eusebio. Losing Juan Gomez-De Liano, Javi Gomez-De Liano, Kobe Paras & Jun Manzo is a lot but you now have CJ Cansino, Joel Cagulangan, and CJ Catapusan to replace them. Yes Bright Akuhetie is gone but the Maroons new Foreign student athlete Malik Diouf is now on board to show what he has. There are only four holdovers from season 82, Ricci Rivero, Noah Webb, James Spencer, & John Gob. The biggest change has to be the hiring of high school champion coach Goldwyn Monteverde. His familiarity with the NU boys will make his transition from High school coaching to the Seniors division easier. 

 Outlook: 

The Maroons are loaded on every spot and are ready to challenge the Blue Eagles again. Leading their charge is the high-flying Ricci Rivero whose role is to make sure that the newly revamped Maroons are up to speed. The Maroons are eager to parade Malik Diouf and see how he can match up with Ateneo’s Kouame and the other foreign student athletes.  Carl Tamayo will be in everyone’s radar since his exceptional showing with the Gilas team. Former UAAP rookie of the year CJ Cansino is also eager to spread his wings with his new team together with former NCAA Jrs. finals MVP Joel Cagulangan.

The high-flying wings Zavier Lucero & Anton Eusebio are also ready to serve a notice to the league that every game will be a dunkfest.  The Diliman based maroons have a lot of talent in their team and the only thing that they need is chemistry. Together with the Blue Eagles, the Maroons, Archers and Tamaraws will most likely make it to the final four and seeing them battle the Eagles, Archers and Tams will be a sight to behold.

Prognosis: 

The Maroons should be favored to get one of the first two slots & secure a twice to beat advantage. They have the talent to get back to the finals and depending on how they will mature as a team, the Maroons might have a chance to come out on top. 

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and UP Page

Green Archers seek a final 4 return

DE LA SALLE GREEN ARCHERS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 7-7 5th place.

Coach: Derrick Pumaren (1^st Season)

Subtractions: Jaime Malonzo, Matthew James Laput, Keyshawn Evans Andrei Caracut,

Decommitted: Aljun Melecio, Brandon Bates, Encho Serrano, Tyrus Hill, Jordan Bartlett, Joel Cagulangan (transferred)
Holdovers: Justine Baltazar, Ralph Cu, Francis Escandor, Donn Lim, Kurt Lojera, Joaquin Manuel,

Additions:

Transferees: Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle, Deo Cuajao, Paul Turco,

Team B:  Deschan Winston, Bright Nwanko (FSA)

Rookies: Michael Philips, Benjamin Philips, Raven Cortez (DLSZ), Aaron Buensalida (NU), Penny Estacio (FEU), Emman Galman (UPH) JC Macalalag, CJ Austria (UE)

What might have been: Amadou Ndiaye, Joshua Ramirez, Cameron Vales,

 

Background: The Green Archers are coming off two fifth place finishes and many Coaching changes that saw Louie Gonzales and Jermaine Byrd take the lead in season 81 & 82.  Unfortunately for the Archers, they were one win short of making it to the final 4 as a stroke of bad luck caught them in Season 81with Taane Samuel missing a lot of games. In season 82, losing two winnable games against UE & UP prevented them from making it to the final four. This is the first time the Archers missed consecutive final fours.

Key changes: 

DLSU lost a lot of key players with Malonzo, Laput, Evans & Caracut using up their eligibility, Melecio & Serrano opting to go pro, Hill, Bartlett & Bates opting not to return & Cagulangan transferring to UP. The Big factor in DLSU moving forward is getting Coach Derrick Pumaren whose foresight & experience is unmatched in college basketball. Upon getting the nod as head coach, Coach D went to work right away by way of recruiting and next to UP, DLSU got a good chunk of recruits here and abroad.  While Justine Baltazar’s act of returning is commendable, it will definitely be a last year to remember since he will be joined by exceptional guards with Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle, Deo Cuajao & Penny Estacio leading the way. To complement Baltazar is a towering frontline with Michael & Benjamin Phillips, Raven Cortez and Bright Nwanko, all standing at least 6-7.  Key rookie contributors will be Emman Galman who came from Perpetual Help and CJ Austria from UE. Both were Juniors standouts from their respective teams. Returning for the Archers are Ralph Cu, Francis Escandor, and Donn Lim. Kurt Lojera and  Joaquin Manuel will most likely be given bigger roles this year with their experience. 

 

Outlook: 

Justine Baltazar’s performance with Gilas was phenomenal and since it’s his last year you know he will go all out to unseat the champs. Knowing Coach D, the Green Archers will haunt you with their pressure defense, pummel you inside with their huge frontline while Nonoy, Nelle and Cuajao sneak in those three pointers. This team has the necessary tools to make it to the top, the only question is what DLSU team will show up in the final four? Will it be an Archers team at its peak or a team still groping for form? Knowing Coach D he will make the necessary adjustments to put the Archers on top.

 

Prognosis: 

The Green Archers will return to the final four this year. The archers match up well with every team and is poised to make a run to make it beyond the final four. If the Archers get any of the twice to beat positions, it will most probably be a return to the finals since it will be hard beating this team twice. In the finals, its anybody's ballgame.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and DLSU Page

The FEU Tamaraws are ready to charge

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY TAMARAWS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 8-6, 3^RD place after elimination round

Lost to UST in the stepladder semi-finals

Coach: Olsen RACELA (5th Season)

Subtractions: Barkley Ebonia, Wendell Comboy, Hubert Cani, Kimlee Bayquin, Joseph Nunag, Travis Mantua

Decommitted: Ken Tuffin

Holdovers: Rey Bienes, LJ Gonzales, Royce Alforque, Xyrus Torres, Daniel Celzo, JR Dulatre, James Tempra

Additions:

Transferees:  Ximone Sandagon

Team B: Emman Ojuola,  Bryan Sajonia, Aevin Coquia,

Rookies: RJ Abarrientos (FEU), Chiolo Añonuevo (FEU), Rodel Gravera, (UC) Jason Li (LPU) Patrick Sleat (FEU)

Reserves:, Patrick Kamdem Tchuente, Mouhamed Faty, Kevin Kendrick C. Guibao, Jorick Kyle A. Bautista,

 

Background: The Tamaraws were on a three-game winning streak going to the Season 82 final four with convincing wins over LaSalle & UE until they got sidetracked by an inspired UST team. It was worthy to note that it was the Tamaraws that almost beat the Blue Eagles when they led by 11 at the half of their second-round game. Unfortunately, the Eagle’s experience helped them get back and win.

Key changes: 

The FEU team is one of only two teams with their head coach returning and most of their major players coming back. Holdovers of this team are Rey Bienes, LJ Gonzales, Royce Alforque, Xyrus Torres, Daniel Celzo, JR Dulatre & James Tempra. Put on reserve is Patrick Tchuente and taking his place is the original foreign student athlete Emman Ojuola.  Notable transferees are Ximone Sandagon who came from TIP while coming from the FEU team B is  Bryan Sajonia, Aevin Coquia. Everyone is waiting for the UAAP debut of RJ Abarrientos whose remarkable stint with Gilas showed that he is the next best thing. Chiolo Añonuevo  has come back from the US and is eager to lead the charge one day, Other rookies are Rodel Gravera from UC,  Jason Li from LPU and Patrick Sleat from the FEU  juniors squad.

 

Outlook: 

A lot of teams had a hard time containing the tandem of LJ Gonzales & Royce Alforque, now RJ Abarrientos is about to join them and will most probably run rings around every opponent.  Ojoula is definitely an upgrade from Tchuente that will help improve the tams inside scoring with Sandangon, Celzo and Dularte backing him up. The FEU Airforce guards are fast, can run the break well and can shoot from beyond. Add Xyrus Torres and Añonuevo to the mix then you have a team that can match up with the top teams. Defense has always been Coach Olsen Racela’s trademark and so will these tamaraws. Look for LJ Gonzales to lead the charge and everyone else will follow suit. Lastly, there is always a magic “hugot” for every FEU team and everyone is waiting who that new face will be.

 

Prognosis: 

The Tamaraws had a quiet off-season and what was evident was that they just got what they needed since they already have the talent to succeed.  The Tamaraws will be able to make it to the final four if they play their cards right. FEU is this year’s dark horse since not much is known of them, but they can pull a few surprises specially if they push to make it to the final four.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and FEU Page

Look for the Falcons to Soar

 

ADAMSON UNIVERSITY SOARING FALCONS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 4-10 6^TH place after elimination round

Coach: Nash Racela (1st Season)

Subtractions: Val Chauca Kristan Bernardo Simon Camacho

Decommitted: Jonathan Espeleta Jerrick Ahanmisi John Capulong

Injured: AP Manlapaz, Aaron Fermin, Aaron Flowers

Holdovers: Jerom Lastmosa, Keith Zaldivar, Vince Magbuhos, Lenda Douanga, Jed Colonia, Joem Sabandal, Joshua Yerro

Returnees: Ivan Maata,

Additions

Transferees:  Jhon Calisay (TIP), Mario Barasi Jr. (Perpetual),

Team B:  Joshua Fuentebella,

Rookies: Matty Erolon (Adu) Didat Hanapi (Adu) Joaquin Jaymalin (Admu) Cedrick Manzano (Hua Siong), Tricky Peromingan (USJR)

RESERVES:

Joshua Barcelona (Adu), Andrei Abellera (ITA), Roger delos Reyes (ITA) Wilfrey Magbuhos (Returnee),

 

 

Background: The Falcons had a disastrous season 82 as they fell off the final four and could only get four wins and a sixth-place finish. After almost making it to the finals in season 81, Coach Franz Pumaren still had a fighting squad but unfortunately was in a way rebuilding which resulted in a sixth-place finish. Coach Franz eventually resigned a year after the pandemic struck and decided to concentrate on his work as a councilor. In December of 2021, Coach Nash Racela became the Falcons new coach.

 

Key changes: 

Coach Nash was the last coach to fill out a vacated spot and had the least amount of time to make a big difference. Gone is the sweet shooting Jerrick Ahanmisi, one and one Val Chauca, Simon Camacho and Krisitan Bernardo. The Falcons still got a good share of rookies since Coach Franz still got two fil Italians and other Adamson Juniors standouts remain loyal with Didat Hanapi and Matty Erolon remaining in San Marcelino. Holdovers  Jerom Lastmosa, Keith Zaldivar, Vince Magbuhos, Lenda Douanga, Jed Colonia, Joem Sabandal, Joshua Yerro will be a solid bunch and will most probably give the same defensive intensity that Coach Nash will teach them. Unfortunately for the Falcons they were not able to land a big name star while Junior MVP Jake Figueroa decommitted and joined another squad.

 

Outlook: 

Jerom Lastimosa can only bring this team to 5^th place if the stars align. This will be another year of rebuilding for the Falcons. The only thing going for them is that they got the right coach to build a winning team and a winning culture. Look for the Falcons to battle it out with NU, UE, and UST for scraps and depending on how the team will gel, they might be able to surprise either FEU or DLSU if these two teams are on a bad shooting day. This season will help the Falcons lay down the foundation of a good defense and if ever, run the dribble drive offense that Coach Nash is very fond of.

Forecast:

The Falcons will be able to match up with other teams considering that they have a big foreign student athlete, fast guards and adequate shooters. Unfortunately, the team needs a lot of seasoning and depth. Look for them to be better in season 85 but this season will be a learning experience for these falcons. Look for Jerome Lastimosa to lead this team with surprise contributions coming from Keith Zaldivar, Didat Hanapi and Joem Sabandal.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and Adamson Page

Bulldogs out to take a bigger bite

 

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 2-12 8^TH place after elimination round

Coach: JEFF NAPA (1st Season)

Subtractions: Tsaddy Rangel, Dave Yu

Decommitted: Dave Ildefonso (Transfer) Migs Oczon (transfer) John Vincent Gallego (transfer) Chami Diputado

Holdovers: Shaun Ildefonso, Enzo Joson, Issa Gaye, John Lloyd Clemente, John Galinato, Jonas Tibayan, Michael Malonzo, RJ Minerva

Additions:

Transferees:  Germy Mahinay(UST)

Team B:  Patrick Wilson Yu

Rookies: Ej Felicida (NU) Jake Figueroa (Adu) Ian Jolo Manansala (LSGH) Reyland Torres (NU) Steve Nash Enriquez (NU) John Omar,

Reserves:, Anthony Sistoza, Jesse Crisostomo,

Patrick Ramos  (UC Sta.cruz) Joshua Flores (SHS-ADC)

 

Background: 

The Bulldogs are the big losers in the recruitment wars that started when Bullpups champion coach Goldwyn Monteverde rejected the offer to coach the Bulldogs for the 2020 season. After rejecting that offer, most of the Bullpups prized recruits including Carl Tamayo jumped ship and eventually followed Goldwyn to UP. After that, the Bulldogs then got former Bullpups champion Coach Jeff Napa as its head coach and the rebuilding of the bulldogs followed.

Key changes: 

Coach Jeff Napa had his collegiate baptism of fire while coaching the Letran Knights and in his third year there he guided them to a final four stint. This will be the chance for Coach Jeff to spread his wings more in guiding the Bulldogs.  Luckily for NU some Bullpups still called in from their juniors squad as Ej Felicida, Reyland Torres and Steve Nash Enriquez decided to stay in bustillos while landing a big name in Juniors MVP Jake Figueroa from Adamson. Returning for their last year with the Bulldogs are Shaun Ildefonso, Enzo Joson and Issa Gaye while the team will most likely rely very much on the sweet shooting John Lloyd Clemente.  John Galinato, Jonas Tibayan, Michael Malonzo and  RJ Minerva complete the cast of the eight holdovers from season 82. Another big man who can help them is Germy Mahinay who transferred from UST.

Outlook: 

The Bulldogs have a solid inside force with foreign student athlete Issa Gaye, Shaun Ildefonso, RJ Minerva and Germy Mahinay. They have adequate shooting in JLC, EJ Felicida and John Galinato. The Bulldogs have a solid point guard in veteran Enzo Joson quarterbacking the team with Felicida and Steve Nash Enriquez as his back up. Wing Rookies Jake Figueroa and Reyland Torres should be able to grow up fast to be able to contribute right away for the Bulldogs. The question now is how they will match up with the bigger teams like UP, DLSU, Ateneo and dark horse FEU. If Coach Jeff can motivate his team to understanding that they have a chance at cracking the final four then most probably the Bulldogs can surprise a lot of teams this year.

Forecast:

Looking at the Bulldogs line up you can say that they are above three other teams and if things turn their way, they can surprise the other favorite teams and make it to the final four. This will have to be predicated on how fast they will be able to execute Coach Jeff’s offense and defensive tactics. With the correct motivation, Coach Jeff can inspire his players to play more than a hundred percent and exceed the expectations laid on them. Expect JLC to lead the pack with surprises from former Bullpups EJ Felicida, Reyland Torres and Steve Nash Enriquez.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and NU Page

The Growling Tigers are ready to ROAR!

 

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS GROWLING TIGERS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 8-6 4^TH place after elimination round

Beat FEU in knock-out game, Beat UP twice to advance to the finals,

Lost to ATENEO 0-2 in the Finals.

Coach: Jinno Manansala (1st Season)

Subtractions: Henry Subido, Enrique Caunan Jr. Zach Huang, Brent Paraiso, Rhenz Abando, CJ Cansino, Ira Battaller, Alberto Bordeos, Ferdinand Asuncion, Mark Nonoy, Vince Cuajao, Nathaniel Cosejo,

Decommitted: Soulemane Chabi Yo, Bismarck Lina

Holdovers: Arnold Ando,  Sherwin Concepcion, Miguel Pangilinan

Additions:

Transferees:  Christian Manaytay (DLSU) Royce Mantua (FEU) Aldave Canoy (WNU) Renzel Yongco (DLSU)

Team B:  Joshua Fontanilla, Ian Herrera, Bryan Santos, Bryan Samudio,  JJ Gesalem

Rookies: Paul Manalang (NU) Jordi Gomez de Liano (UPIS) Nic Cabanero (UST),  Rafael Pangilinan (Ateneo) Joshua Garing (LPU)

Reserves: Patrick Javier, , Rafael Biag (UST) Ivan Lazarte

Background: 

The UST Growling Tigers were the hottest team in Season 82 until they got bumped by the eventual champions Ateneo. In the elimination round they almost beat the Blue Eagles and knocked out a stacked UP Maroons squad.

Unfortunately, during the 2020 lockdown tragedy struck after the so-called Sorsogon bubble exposed some problems that led to CJ Cansino leaving the Tiger’s liar. As an effect Coach Aldin Ayo was barred from Coaching UST that led to a lot of his players leaving their team and committing to play elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

Key changes: 

The biggest change here comes from the head coach position which is now

ably filled by former Growling Tiger Jinno Manansala. Coach Jinno has handled two schools in the NAASCU and has won multiple titles with the UM Hawks and St. Clare Saints. Now he is in the biggest stage of collegiate basketball and ready to strut his wares. Unfortunately, he has come at a time when the tigers are rebuilding. In a way he has gotten lots of commitments from different players but so far none as big as the haul of UP and DLSU had. Getting rookies Paul Manalang from NU, Jordi Gomez de Liano from UPIS and Nic Cabanero from their UST Juniors squad helps them build the foundation for the future. There are only three holdovers from their previous squad with Sherwin Concepcion, Dave Ando and Michael Pangilinan leading the charge. Foreign Student Athlete Adama Faye who replaced season 82 MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo did not come back when he went back to Senegal to do something personal. That means the Tigers will play without an FSA. Look for Joshua Fontanilla, Bryan Santos, Bryan Samudio and Royce Mantua to fill in the gap of the Tigers with their experience from their previous teams.

 

Outlook: 

This team is still playing under the shadow of Coach Aldin Ayo with Coach Jinno and assistant Coach McJour Luib continuing where Ayo left them.  That means if you take them for granted they will use that to secure a win. Look for more three-point shooting with Sherwin Concepcion, superb court point guard duties by Joshua Fontanilla  and Paul Manalang. At the same time, Nic Cabanero will be let loose and show his wares this year. The experience of Ando, Manaytay, Samudio and Santos will definitely help plug the middle and fend off the big Foreign student athletes of the other schools.

 

Forecast:

The Growling Tigers have adequate arsenal to win but will most probably languish at the lower part of the standings. Their frontline will most definitely be taken advantaged off by the bigger squads and will most likely place at around 6^th at best. Look for them to give Adamson and NU a run for their money to be able to secure fight for sixth.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and Varsitarian

Warriors will compete in Season 84

 

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST WARRIORS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 4-10 8^TH place after elimination round

Coach: JACK SANTIAGO (1st Season)

Subtractions: Rey Suerte Jed Mendoza

Decommitted: Alex Diahkite Chris Conner Kobe Camacho Richard Rodger

Holdovers: Jose Antiporda, Allan Beltran, Jeremy Cruz, Leon Lorenzana Harvey Pagsanhan, Abdul Sawat

Additions:

Transferees:  Nico Paranada (UPH),

Team B:  Orin Catacutan (St. Clare)

Rookies: Clint Escamis (MIT), Kyle Paranada (Montgomery HS - Filam), Jeremiah Soriano,  ,  JAN Piolo Cruz, Jerrick Villanueva, JM Tulabot, Justine Guevarra, Migs Pascual (SBU)

Reserves: Don Chan, Ryzel Abatayo

 

Background: The Warriors are coming off their best season since season 78 as they racked up four wins with ten losses and a seventh-place finish. Leading their charge in season 82 were two one and done players Rey Suerte and Jed Mendoza with a capable big man in Alex Diahkite. All was going well with the Red Warriors until Head Coach Joe Silva resigned a day before the tournament started. Bong Tan replaced Joe Silva and also got former UE coach Lawrence Chongson as his assistant.

Key changes: 

The Pandemic really took a lot of eligible players out of the UAAP and one of the biggest casualities is Senegalese Big man Alex Diakhite. Diakhite averaged 18 points, 14 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks and is now playing in the Basketball Africa League- the professional league of Africa. In a way the warriors have an adequate crew with their holdovers in Jose Antiporda, Allan Beltran, Jeremy Cruz, Leon Lorenzana and Harvey Pagsanhan. Unfortunately, they quite bombed out in the recruitment field and just got two big names in Clint Escamis from MIT and Migs Pascual from San Beda. Joining the holdovers and rookies are Orin Catacutan and Nico Paranada whose brother Kyle is also there to lend a helping hand.

 

Outlook: 

This team will need more than a fighting heart to make it to the final four. They are only one of two teams without a foreign student athlete and are far smaller than the other established teams. Imagine them going against UP, DLSU and Ateneo and their huge and massive frontlines. The only thing going for them will be the pressure defense perfected by Coach Jack Santiago while he was Franz Pumaren’s deputy. The men from the East will have to shoot the lights out for them to secure a win. To make matters worse, rookie recruit Josiah Alcantara got injured and UE will just field a 19-man team.

 

Forecast:   

The future is not bright for the UE Red Warriors. Look for them to make a game every first half and eventually fizzle in the second half. There wont be any surprises this year and this team will probably end up last again for this year.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and UE Page

The UAAP is back

 A BIG THANKS FOR YOUR RETURN!!!