By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion University of the Philippines and De La Salle University are out to prove that they are still the teams to beat for the upcoming UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament this weekend.
The Fighting Maroons, who are heading into their title redemption bid without two of key players in JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez, will have the biggest target on their backs.
But they are up for it.
“The goal is still the same for us, in terms of our commitment on and off the court, as a team we’re trying to build since the start of the season,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
“We have a couple of new faces because of the players we lost last year, and hopefully, it’s going to be enough sa paparating na season na ‘to,” he added.
Noy Remogat, the newest addition, will make his official debut as a Maroon in the UAAP with numerous mainstays including Gerry Abadiano and Harold Alarcon ready to back him up.
The Diliman-based squad is also beaming with experience overseas after its players honed their craft in Serbia, Japan, and South Korea. UP has also authored a monumental feat of winning the preseason tiff three times in a row.
However, lurking behind State U is last year’s bridesmaid La Salle, which is now reinforced by shifty guard Jacob Cortez and versatile big man Mason Amos as well as veteran Mike Phillips who are ready to take the leadership role following the departure of Kevin Quiambao.
Phillips, who is playing in his final year as a Green Archer, is aware that the competition in Season 88 would be tougher as talents fresh out of high school emerge in collegiate ranks.
“I believe this one is one of the most competitive UAAP years I have been, even the young guns napagaling ng mga rookies ngayon, ta’s papasok na sila dito sa collegiate,” said Phillips.
“To win a championship in Season 88 really gonna take everything from you, it takes a full sacrifice to get to the top,” he added.
Several talents to be watched out for are UST’s Collins Akowe and Koji Buenaflor, FEU’s Liam Salansang, Adamson’s Earl Medina, and more from other schools are capable of taking the spotlight in the senior level.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, UP begins its crown retention quest against UST at the Tigers’ lair Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila, while the Green Archers tangle with the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the men’s basketball opener on Saturday, Sept. 20.
