UAAP men’s hoops wars

THE country’s premier collegiate league, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, officially kicks off Season 81 on Sept. 8 with the theme “It all begins here” and National University hosting.
And as has been customary, men’s basketball sets the proceedings off with all eight competing teams seeing action on opening weekend.
Looking at how practically all teams shored up their rosters and prepared well for the about-to-start season, there is every reason to believe that Season 81 is going to be a competitive and engaging one.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles are the defending champions and acknowledged as the “team to beat,” which is not without reason.
With its core pretty much intact and seasoned for another year, not to mention the team being handled by a cerebral coach in Tab Baldwin, the Eagles are to go places this season, even repeat.
Talk of a sweep by Ateneo of the elimination round has been swirling around in the lead-up, which I do not necessarily agree to at the onset but something I am not discounting totally.
The De La Salle Green Archers had a whirlwind of an offseason, losing key personnel, including its coach and top players in Ben Mbala and Ricci Rivero.
But they have seemingly regained their footing after everything and are now humming under new coach Louie Gonzales.
Mbala and Rivero are surely big losses for the team but expect the Archers to go out there with much pride and leave everything on the floor, and I would not be surprised if they are in the final four when the classification smoke clears.
The Adamson Soaring Falcons had a solid run in Season 80 under coach Franz Pumaren that saw them reach the semifinals.
The progress should continue for the Falcons this season as they have built more legs to anchor on and put up a sustained fight.
One of the more consistent programs in the UAAP, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws lost some veteran presence on the floor after last season.
They, however, have the pieces to still compete with players ready to step up from top to bottom and execute the game plan of coach Olsen Racela.
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are being viewed with a keen eye with prized acquisition Bright Akhuetie all set to make his UAAP debut.
A standout when he paraded his wares at the National Collegiate Athletic Association with the Perpetual Help Altas, Cameroonian Akhuetie has the UAAP buzzing about what he could bring to the table for the struggling program of UP.
UP coach Bo Perasol said they are banking on Akhuetie to tow them in what could be a breakthrough season for them but also tapping the rest of the talent at their disposal.
It is a sound tack on the part of the Maroons since the fifth-place finish it had in Season 80 showed they are already there and just needs some boost which Akhuetie could provide.
Host NU is still finding its footing under coach Jamike Jarin and with a deeper pool talent to work on they could make significant headway in Season 81.
Gilas cadet Troy Rike and transferee Shaun Ildefonso should shore up their roster and help the Bulldogs vie for a Final Four spot.
The University of the East Red Warriors have a new coach in Joe Silva, who should provide a fresh perspective and culture for the team.
They may still struggle but the team vows to be warrior-like and I am not second-guessing its desire.
Finally the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, who had one of their worst seasons last year with one win to show for.
Champion coach Aldin Ayo has been brought in to turn things around for UST, a tough task considering the Tigers will be parading nine rookies.
Then again it is Ayo’s team and his track record for making things happen, with Letran in the NCAA and La Salle in the UAAP, is hard not to notice.
Their “Hail Mary” mantra for Season 81 should be taken with caution.
So the UAAP is all set to begin. Go out and support your school.
 
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com