Green Archers can’t be lulled into complacency

Coach Gee Abanilla's first season with the DLSU Green Archers has started off exceptionally well as they worked their way up to the top spot in the UAAP 75 team standings thus far, after two consecutive wins against the UP Fighting Maroons last Sunday, 73-68; and the UE Red Warriors last Thursday, 67-59.

Every UAAP fan is privy to the fact that the Green Archers have greatly improved in spite of (or because of, rather) the drastic changes that took place post-season 74, including a new head coach, new roster, new plays, and new strategies. They already unveiled their potential just a few months ago after initially barging into the finals of the recent FilOil Flying V Hanes Cup, and then eventually landing second place overall, igniting new hope for the team that placed sixth last UAAP season.

Needless to say, they have made a formidable comeback showcasing basketball phenom and the most talked-about rookie of the season, Jeron Teng, as well as other notable key players who stepped up to become integral members of the team, guys such as Norbert Torres, Luigi dela Paz, Jovet Mendoza, Yutien Andrada, and team captain LA Revilla. Despite the numerous turnovers during their first game against the Fighting Maroons, the Green Archers managed to thwart any prospective losses early into the season, thanks to their effective zone defense, more accurate shooting, better in-game adjustments, and evident team work; however, they are still a work in progress.

Regardless of the Green Archers' early lead this season, they are definitely not lulled into complacency. Team captain LA Revilla says, "We are happy but we are not contented. It has only been two games into the season, and we are still far from where we want to be." The team is humbly reminded that the rest of the season will inevitably be an arduous toil; ergo, they have to persevere and keep the faith.

They will be facing tougher competition in the coming weeks starting on Sunday, where they will be playing against last season's runners-up, the FEU Tamaraws, 2 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena, and their archrivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagle,s on July 28.

When asked about how they prepared for tomorrow's game, Revilla says, "[The preparation] is just the same as [that of] the first two games. Our coaches always reminded us to think of our current opponent, and focus on the game plan."

Revilla addresses all their supporters with utmost sincerity saying, "Expect that we continue to play hard and improve as a team. Hopefully, mapakita namin yung tunay na La Salle basketball." As long as they keep level-headed, determined and focused, they can dispel any skeptical doubts about their chances of nabbing the top spot this season. Animo, La Salle!