Beefed-up Green Archers looking to make some noise in Season 76
De La Salle University men’s basketball team suffered its first loss in the Fil Oil Flying V Hanes Pre-season Cup last Saturday, but coach Gee Abanilla still has plenty of reasons to smile.
Working behind a balanced offensive attack coupled with a renewed defensive tenacity, the Green Archers strung up five straight wins in style but dropped a 53-60 decision against vastly-improving University of the East on Saturday, leaving archrival and five-time defending UAAP champion Ateneo on top of Group B with a 6-1 mark.
La Salle, which made its return to the UAAP’s Final Four last season, has suddenly turned into one of the elite contenders heading into Season 76, thanks to its massive off-season buildup paired with a strong support from its patrons.
“I’m very happy with the results,” Abanilla stated in a phone interview with Yahoo! Philippines as they geared up for their game against the Red Warriors late Saturday noon. “Nakikita talaga namin ang continuous development ng team.”
Abanilla, who took over from Dindo Pumaren, added the longer preparation this time has clearly played a big factor, saying: “Ngayon sa second year ko as their coach, mas maraming oras para makapaghanda talaga.”
“Last season, nasa transition period pa kami. Pero ngayon, kasama na ‘yung mental frame ng bawat isa sa preparation. We continue to focus on their skills, both individually and collectively, pati na rin ‘yung physical aspect ng mga players,” he added.
In their victories, the Green Archers have been flourishing defensively, allowing just 65.8 points per game while scoring 71.4 in the other end.
But what keeps Abanilla smiling these days is the fact La Salle now has a deep roster, with four rookies–Kib Montalbo, Robert Bolick, Jason Perkins and Matthew David Salem–blending well with the veterans, led by prolific scorer Jeron Teng.
“Walang designated na scorer dito sa team ko ngayon. Marami na kasing pinagkukunan ng puntos. Halos sa lahat ng pwesto mayroon kayang mag-provide sa opensa,” said the amiable mentor.
A member of last season’s Mythical Team and also adjudged the top rookie, the 6-foot-2 Teng led the Green Archers in scoring with 16.2 points, but Abanilla is raring to see more from the former Xavier star.
“Bukod sa scoring, I think Jeron can now provide leadership. Makikita mo rin kasi na pinaghihirapan niya na ma-improve ang depensa niya and I think maganda rin ‘yun para sa kanya dahil nagiging balansyado ang skills niya as a player,” said Abanilla.
The Green Archers, however, have already suffered a major blow, with fifth-year forward Yutien Andrada tearinghis anterior cruciate ligament in their hotly-contested 70-64 win over Lyceum on May 10 and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months.
“Wala na si Yutien sa Season 76. Hindi na talaga siya makakalaro,” rued Abanilla.
Interestingly, La Salle has also beefed up its coaching staff, hiring former three-time UAAP MVP and three-point specialist Allan Caidic as the team’s shooting coach.
