AFTER a long wait, the UAAP Season 81 is upon us. Before the opening tip, allow SPIN.ph's college basketball writers to take a deeper look at the eight teams and see where they stack up.
Ateneo Blue Eagles (1)
Writer Rankings: Christian Jacinto 1, Randolph Leongson 1, Reuben Terrado 1
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: Champion (9-0 in Group A)
Smart City Hoops: Champion (2-2)
Smart Breakdown Basketball: Champion
2018 William Jones Cup: 4th Place (5-3)
Overseas Training: Greece, Taiwan
It’s no surprise to see the reigning champions get unanimously voted by the Spin.ph writers as the top seed. With a wealth of experience under their belt following stints in Greece and in the Jones Cup, big things are expected from the boys of coach Tab Baldwin. Aside from the intensive preparation, the team that slayed Ben Mbala and La Salle in a thrilling three-game finals last season is basically intact. So this is a season for Ateneo to win or lose.
Adamson Soaring Falcons (2)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 2, Leongson 2, Terrado 2
Offseason: PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup: Semifinals as Akari-Adamson (9-2)
Filoil Preseason Cup: Quarterfinals (6-2 in Group)
Smart Breakdown Basketball: Runner-up
Take Ateneo out of the equation and Adamson is hands down the favorite to win it all. If there’s one coach who knows how to win in the UAAP, it’s the Falcons’ Franz Pumaren who has five UAAP titles back when he was with La Salle. He’ll also have a stacked lineup. Jerrick Ahanmisi is expected to improve by leaps and bounds this season while the Falcons' frontcourt is solid with Papi Sarr and Sean Manganti. If there’s a time for the Falcons to soar, now’s the perfect year.
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (3)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 3, Leongson 3, Terrado 3
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: Quarterfinals (6-3 in Group A)
Smart City Hoops: Semifinals (4-1)
Smart Breakdown Basketball: Semifinals
Overseas Training: Serbia
The Fighting Maroons aren’t underdogs anymore and they know that. With Bright Akhuetie joining Paul Desiderio in his final year, it looks like the good times are back for University of the Philippines. All eyes will be on head coach Bo Perasol as he handles a perfect mix of veterans and youngsters, spinkled with talents like Juan Gomez de Liano, Javi Gomez de Liano and Jun Manzo.
Far Eastern University Tamaraws (4.3)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 4, Leongson 5, Terrado 4
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: 3rd Place (6-2 in Group
Smart City Hoops: Runner-up (5-0)
Overseas Training: Taiwan
The departure of two-way guard Ron Dennison will definitely be a blow to the Tamaraws, but don't forget that this is basically the same team which almost knocked out Ateneo in the semifinals last season. With the departure of Dennison, the leadership role falls on the shoulder of Arvin Tolentino who will be backed up by Jasper Parker, Wendell Comboy and Ken Tuffin. If Olsen Racela can get this group going, the Tamaraws will be a darkhorse this season.
De La Salle Green Archers (4.6)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 5, Leongson 4, Terrado 5
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: Quarterfinals (7-2 in Group A)
Overseas Training: Taiwan, Korea
La Salle is a team in transition following the departure of head coach Aldin Ayo and two-time MVP Ben Mbala. However, the Archers remain dangerous. Their string of guards in Kib Montalbo, Aljun Melecio and Andrei Caracut will be at the forefront of this ‘retooled’ Green Archers. While they lost Ayo, Louie Gonzalez isn't new to winning. He in fact played a huge role in creating the blueprint for Ayo’s magical run at Letran and La Salle. If bigs Taane Samuel, Santi Santillan and Justine Baltazar can cover for the loss of Mbala and Abu Tratter, expect the Green Archers to contend.
National University Bulldogs (6)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 6, Leongson 6, Terrado 6
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: Tied-7th in Group A (3-6)
Smart Breakdown Basketball: Semifinals
Overseas Training: China
Expectations are still high for NU despite coming to the season as one of the league's youngest teams. That's what happens when you parade a haul full of bluechip recruits bannered by the Ildefonso brothers - Dave and Shaun, and a solid post presence in Troy Rike. But depth and experience figure to be a problem as Jamike Jarin tries to bring the Bulldogs to the playoffs.
University of the East Red Warriors (7.3)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 7, Leongson 7, Terrado 8
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: Tied-7th in Group A (3-6)
Overseas Training: China
Even coach Joe Silva doesn't expect much from this UE squad, but don't rule out the team pulling off a shock or two this season. Super scorer Alvin Pasaol is still the go-to guy of the Red Warriors, but he won't be a one-man show. That being said, the Warriors are still a longshot to make the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (7.6)
Writer rankings: Jacinto 8, Leongson 8, Terrado 7
Offseason: Filoil Preseason Cup: 8th in Group B (2-6)
Aldin Ayo will have a mountain to climb if he hopes to replicate his magical debuts at La Salle and Letran at UST, where the controversial coach will, at best, try to rebuild a winning program from the ground up. His team, to be led by Marvin Lee and Renzo Subido, will need to overachieve to get this team out of the bottom half.
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