UAAP coaches pick La Salle Green Archers as favorites to win it all again
Returning with a formidable roster bannered by reigning Finals MVP Jeron Teng and center Arnold Van Opstal, defending champion La Salle, as expected, is considered by many as the team-to-beat in the UAAP Season 77 men's basketball tournament that gets going this Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers, who completed their rise to the top by topping back-to-back finalist University of Santo Tomas in an epic three-game titular showdown last year, are tipped to give their rivals who are raring to dethrone them a tougher challenge with their intact 14-man lineup that also features four touted recruits led by former national youth team mainstay Prince Rivero, the NCAA juniors MVP last year with La Salle-Greenhills.
Also raring to help the Green Archers in their title-retention bid are guard Terence Mustre, son of former pro cager Mike, Fil-Americans Julian Sargent and Abu Tratter.
Although they are coming in with lofty expectations this time, La Salle head coach Juno Sauler refused to be carried away with their pre-season billing.
"I don't focus too much on expectations. Just like the other teams, we want to improve day by day and game by game. Hopefully our games will be exciting to all the viewers," said Sauler, 41, during the league's press launch on Monday afternoon held at Gloria Maris inside the Gateway Mall in Quezon City.
There's no denying, however, that La Salle practically has all the tools needed in its title defense.
"They have an intact lineup and a couple of foreign recruits. Plus they have a good coach," said first-time UST head coach Bong dela Cruz, who took over the coaching mantle left by Pido Jarencio who is now calling the shots for GlobalPort in the pro ranks.
Even National U tactician Eric Altamirano had the same view, saying: "They have the (championship) experience and players who know how to win."
Debuting Adamson coach Kenneth Duremdes, returning Derrick Pumaren of host University of the East, Far Eastern U's Nash Racela and assistant coach Yuri Escueta, representing Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol who is still with the Blue Eagles in Seoul, South Korea, also tagged La Salle as the yardstick this season.
Meanwhile, the host school is looking forward to a banner season with the theme "Unity in Excellence."
"This season's theme is a celebration of sportsmanship. Various athletes from various sports come together as one. The UAAP is always known for showcasing excellence," said Season 77 president Carmelita Mateo, who also serves as president of UE.
On Saturday, a traditional opening ceremonies will be held at 12 noon before a pair of men's cage action start the hostilities, with UE taking on University of the Philippines at 2 o'clock and La Salle battling FEU at 4 p.m.
