First Impressions (Part II)

ADAMSON SOARING FALCONS : Coach Leo Austria has been optimistic about his Falcons' chances this tourney and the upcoming UAAP season. With the graduation of Alex Nuyles and Eric Camson, the Falcons have a big hole to fill. But with a win against powerhouse FEU tucked on their belts this summer league, I think the Falcons can hope for a better performance in the last UAAP season. With the recruits of Axel Iñigo and Dawn Ochea, and the resurgence of scorer Jerico Cruz, the Falcons are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Adding Ingrid Seva in to the lineup, the Falcons now do have an inside presence they missed for years in Ken Bono. Eventhough, I will still give this team a year or two to do damage and have impact in the college basketball world. Immaturity and inexperience will be the problem for this San Marcelino-based squad. 

+'s : They have a deep 8-9 man lineup that can match up with big teams like DLSU, NU and FEU. I think Francis Donahue will be the x-factor off the bench. 

-'s : Starting PG Ryan Monteclaro should able to handle his counterpart to have a chance in getting to the Final Four this year. He should withstand the likes of Juami Tiongson of ADMU, Almond Vosotros of DLSU, RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo of FEU. 

FEU TAMARAWS : First-year head coach Nash Racela already has a problem this early. RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo, two of the superstars of the team are failing to attend practices due to the conflict of schedule of the FEU team, their PBA D-League team (NLEX and Big Chill) and the Fruitas Shakers that is being handled by Nash Racela. No doubt that this team is scary on paper. But I think chemistry will be the main problem of the Tamaraws this year. If they want to achieve things, the two stars should further commit themselves to the system and rules of Racela before its too late. During the Adamson game, it was evident that the two doesn't have the playing time they used to have under coach Bert Flores. They played with Achie Iñigo in most of that game whom I think is still inexperienced and less-talented than the two. They must also have Anthony Hargrove back in shape if they want to go places this year.

+'s : Nash Racela being their head coach is certainly an upgrade for the Morayta-based team. He will certainly bring positive vibes in the Tamaraws' camp. 

-'s : Chemistry will be the main issue between RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo. Its whether they can play together or whether who will be the point and who will take the shot. 

JRU HEAVY BOMBERS : This year will be the rebuilding year of the Heavy Bombers. Its like when John Wilson, Mark Cagoco and James Sena graduated. The only bright spot of this team so far is their recruit from San Beda, Paolo Pontejos. Pontejos looked like a superstar when they were up against his former team. Coach Vergel Meneses will have a very hard time cracking the Final Four yet again. 

+'s : At least the Heavy Bombers will have another season to test their metals against elite of the UAAP and the NCAA. Paolo Pontejos should be their main guy off the bench. 

-'s : They will miss a bunch of their veterans that's for sure. I think they can't even reach the 6th spot of the NCAA or worst, land on the last spot. 

UPHSD ALTAS : After landing on the Final Four last season, the Altas have nothing in mind but to do same peat. Missing the services of their main shooter Jett Vidal due to graduation, the Altas is still a contender in the coming NCAA season. With Harold Arboleda, Nosa Omorogbe and Femi Babeyemi still at their helm, I think they could still hope for another dejavu this year. Coach Aric del Rosario still remains the chief tactician on the bench for the Las Piñas-based squad. 

+'s : They still have a formidable and solid front court. They can even out-rebound their opponents from time to time. 

-'s : The Altas need to have a shooter to break the 2-3 zone of their opponents. They should develop Earl Thompson into a complete scorer/shooter and not just a slasher and dishing out passes. 

NU BULLDOGS : The National University does have lots of inspiration to get to the top this year. The inspired Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and the 6'6 Cameroonian Alfred Aroga leads the NU's attack. Eventhough the wins of NU came from two buzzer beater heroics, I think that the Bustillos-based Bulldogs can repeat the achievement they had last season on this summer tournament. Their only significant loss is center Jean Mbe due to graduation and Gelo Alolino who is still nursing an injury. RP under-18 standout JJ Alejandro made his debut  and had a good performance. I think coach Eric Altamirano is just hiding some aces and strategy until the UAAP season starts. 

+'s : Solid performances of all the Bulldogs fielded in the summer tourney. Kyle Neypes has done an incredible job on honing his outside touch even from the 3-pt line. Robin Roño has been steady at the point guard position and RTU transferee Troy Rosaro is making waves with his relentless hustle and energy off the bench. 

-'s : Even with an almost intact lineup, I still see problems at the small forward position. Only Parks is a legit small forward of this team. I imagine an Aljon Mariano of UST fiesting over his NU defenders when Parks hit the bench. 

UE RED WARRIORS : Ayaw na naming matalo. Roi Sumang said. That's what in mind of this young Red Warrior. After 2 forgettable seasons, the Red Warriors are set to make impact in the basketball scene. With recruits like Mario Bonleon from LSGH and Charles Mammie from Arellano, they join a steady crew of Roi Sumang, Chris Javier and Adrian Santos. Come-backing JM Noble will play a vital role inside the shaded lane. Coach Boysie Zamar expects a good season for his squad. I think they can could contend even the likes of the defending UAAP champions which they did (eventhough they lost the game). 

+'s : Getting recruits from other schools revitalized this young squad from Recto. I think Gino "Barroca" Jumao-as will be the x-factor when Sumang take his rest on the bench. 

-'s : Focus and steadiness are the main concern for this team. They were leading Ateneo for most of the second half of their game but failed to stay gritty until the final buzzer. 

CSB BLAZERS : It's like when Baste lost their superstars. Its the same but the Blazers only have one. They may have lost Carlo Lastimosa but the Blazers are putting up pieces together by playing with what they have and they are getting good vibes about it. Finishing second place in the just-concluded Fr. Martin's Cup and giving a scare to powerhouse NU, I think the Blazers are even better now than when they have Lastimosa. Mike Romero and Jonathan Grey provides the spunk in their offense and Luis Sinco is calling the plays for them once more. Newly appointed coach, Gabby Velasco says that the team is still inexperienced and this year seems to be their improvement and rebuilding year. 

+'s : They will rely on themselves not only on just one man. Without Carlo Lastimosa on the team makes them unpredictable to opponents. One night it can be Mike Romero, the other it will be Grey's turn. I think it will make them more flexible in offense. 

-'s. The positive things can also be negative. They can be unpredictable, yes but it also shows that they don't have a go-to guy that they can truly rely on when crunch time comes. 

EAC GENERALS : The Generals are expecting fireworks this early of their summer campaign. With the addition of Gigi Manga Hiole to their front court, makes the Generals more steady and can really contend with the likes of San Beda and Letran. Eventhough their center Noube Happi didn't played last time against the Blue Eagles, the Generals made the game really interesting and not just another boring and lopsided game. They even took the lead in the 3rd canto, just to gave up in the last 5 minutes of the game. From my own opinion, the Generals could be the last piece into this year's NCAA Final Four. They have the height to cover and out-rebound opponents. Coach Gerry Esplana should make the Generals' dream into reality. 

+'s : Gigi Manga Hiole will be Happi's able back up. Thank God the NCAA only allows one foreign player to be fielded on the court.

-'s : They still don't have a legit point guard to run their offense. John Tayongtong is too offense minded, he is more of a scorer than a PG. Francis Munsayac can provide spark off the bench but is too small to guard his opponent from the other team. 

LPU PIRATES : This season might be a win-less season for the Lyceum Pirates. Their main gunner from the outside Chris Cayabyab have already used his playing years. Now the Pirates seek points in the scoring prowess of Shane Ko. But I think its not enough to get wins for them. Even with the balik-Lyceum forward Andrei Mendoza from Letran, I don't think they can handle what other NCAA teams have. 

+'s : A new season. A clean slate. That's all. 

-'s : They don't have the tools to battle with the teams with the NCAA. Even with Cayabyab around, they can't manage to keep the score close with their opponents. They certainly need a Gary David to turn their fortunes around. 

BOLD PREDICTIONS : 

UAAP SEASON 76 :

After the Eliminations : 

1. DLSU Green Archers

2. UST Growling Tigers

3. NU Bulldogs

4. ADMU Blue Eagles

5. FEU Tamaraws

6. UE Red Warriors

7. AdU Falcons

8. UP Fighting Maroons

Final Four:

DLSU defeating ADMU

UST defeating NU

Finals: UST edging DLSU in 3 games. 

NCAA Season 89 : 

After the Eliminations: 

1. SBC Red Lions

2. AU Chiefs

3. UPHSD Altas

4. CSJL Knights

5. SSC-R Stags

6. EAC Generals

7. MIT Cardinals

8. CSB Blazers

9. JRU Heavy Bombers

10. LPU Pirates

Final Four: 

SBC defeating CSJL

AU defeating UPHSD

Finals : SBC edging AU in 2 games 

*Note : The 3rd upto the 6th position in the NCAA rankings are interchangeable. The SSC-R Stags and the EAC Generals can be one of the Final Four teams. But I have given the edge to UPHSD and CSJL because of last year's peat. . Well, I could be wrong. :)JMP

First Impressions (Part I)

Its been 3 weeks of collegiate summer basketball. So far, 16 out of the 18 teams played and some surprised many and some disappointed some too. Here's my likings and observations:

ATENEO BLUE EAGLES : With the exit of Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, Justin Chua, Oping Sumalinog and  Tonino Gonzaga and with the injuries of some key players and absence of Ryan Buenafe due to academic duties, some didn't expect much of the Blue Eagles. Lacking enough ceiling, some of basketball analysts forecast that the Loyola squad couldn't even land on this year's UAAP Final Four. But, newly appointed head coach Bo Perasol has other things to say. 3 weeks into summer league action, they have won 4 out of 5. King Eagle Kiefer Ravena shows the way on winning in the post - Norman Black era teaming up with awesome rookie, Chris Newsome. The only downfall of the Blue Eagles will be the rebounding department. But as of firepower and scoring load, I guess Ravena and Newsome can fill the void left by their graduates. 

+'s : They were outrebounded by opponents this tourney but still managed to find wins; Nico Elorde seems to be a able back-up for Juami Tiongson even if the UAAP Board apply the 2 year residency on Jerie Pingoy who will become ineligible to play. 

-'s : There's only 2 legit centers in the rotation of Coach Bo : Frank Golla and Giboy Babilonia. Assuming that JP Erram be ready by the start of the UAAP season, still the Blue Eagles doesn't have a legit post scorer. 

LETRAN KNIGHTS : No more Aces. This will be a rebuilding year for the Knights but still would want to contend for this year's summer tourney and the coming NCAA season. Missing the services of the Alas'es, the Knights would rely on their key veterans Mark Cruz, Jojo Belorio and Raymond Almazan. Arguably the best rookie of this year's batch, Rey Nambatac could be the heir to the throne of the younger Alas, Kevin but I don't see it happening yet. Maybe in 3 years time or so. But he top scored when they were up against the Blue Eagles. Their inexperience and focus are suspects for the Knights' success but still, I think that they can land into the NCAA's Final Four.  

+'s : Almazan decided to stay. They have convinced Rey Nambatac to stay given the fact that he is heavily recruited by Ateneo, UP and others. 

-'s : Almazan decided to join in the PBA Draft. His focus and his playing to his full potential might be questionable due to his choice to join the pros. 

UP FIGHTING MAROONS : New season for the Fighting Maroons. But still, old problems head their way this year. They have lost notable veterans Mike Silungan and Mike Gamboa, but recruited some of the best talents in the country. Sam Marata, a former DLSU Green Archer decided to come back home to his high school alma mater. Coach Ricky Dandan also got the services of Xavier's top gunner Kyles Lao and LSGH big man Andre Paras. They also have Mikee Reyes back in action after a year of absence. In order to win, the Maroons should able to find a consistent outside scorer in Marata, Lao and co. and a decent low post option in Raul Soyud, Chris Ball and Paras. 

+'s : Recruitment seems to be good factor for UP every each year. Getting Kyles Lao is a major boost of the Diliman-based squad but they should give him enough playing time since on his first game as a Maroon, he committed some turnovers and throwed airballs even. The coaching staff should give this kid some confidence and I know for sure in years time, he could bring UP back into the Final Four.  

-'s : Inexperience and getting physical underneath the basket certainly are the Maroons' weaknesses.; Running the show for them is a sophomore guard in Henry Asilum which failed to impress UP patrons is truly a question. Evidently, when Mikee Reyes hits the bench, its Asilum's turn but he is prone to turnovers and taking ill-advised shots. They need another point guard as well. 

ARELLANO CHIEFS : The Arellano Chiefs might be the acid test of the reigning NCAA 3-peat champions San Beda. They have a formidable lineup from point guard upto the center position. Top gunner James Forrester and playmaker John Pinto seems to be maturing every year. Fil-Canadian scoring machine AJ Serjue expected to play this year after a delay due to ACL injury. Also coming from limelight is former JRU Light Bomber standout Keith Lester Agovida who in 2008 turned heads because of his 82-point performance. Coach Koy Banal is expected to guide this team in search for the school's first Final Four appearance. But personally, I think the Chiefs could go all the way to the finals.

+'s : Scoring will not be a problem for the Chiefs. Forrester, Pinto, Levi Hernandez, Serjue, Agovida, Prince Caperal and others could score. Against a Final Four contender UPHSD Altas and the UP Maroons, they have scored 74 points consistently and never trailed in any quarter.

-'s : Defense might be the suspect for the Chiefs if they failed to reach their goals, especially in the inside when they need to deal with Ola Adeogun, Raymond Almazan, Noube Happi etc. 

SAN SEBASTIAN GOLDEN STAGS : Returning head coach Topex Robinson will face an insurmountable task of leading the Stags into the Final Four yet again. Losing all their Kapampangans in their lineup, the Stags will rely on local recruits like prolific scorer CJ Perez, Baldwin Guinto and Leo De Vera. With Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual, Ian Sanggalang, Lyle Antipuesto, Michael Miranda, Dexter Maiquez and AJ Vitug no longer around, this will be a new look for the Stags. Don't expect a full fast-phased attack which the "Beast" normally do. Expect a more set-up based team and Jovit Dela Cruz should be their glue if they want their team to do well this year. In the game against SWU Cobras, CJ Perez showed signs of brilliance but still need to develop consistency and his decision making especially on picking his shots. I don't see Baldwin Guinto to be a force inside. He is like a poor man's version of SBC's David Semerad, only taller. But he does have good hands inside when catching strong passes.  

+'s : Recruiting local talents balances what have been lost. But I don't think they can replace a beast who leads the NCAA in scoring, rebounding and assist all in a single season, a first in the 88 years of the league. But still, I guess they have good enough talents to contend with the title. Also, they don't have Mayor Dennis Pineda on the bench whom I see to be a distraction more of a asset for the team. I guess Topex could really run the show for the Stags. 

-'s : No Abueva. Plain and simple. 

DE LA SALLE GREEN ARCHERS : If there's any team that impressed me so far, it is the DLSU Green Archers. They have a 10 upto 11-man rotation which I think is the deepest collegiate rotation in the country today. Leading their campaign is last year's super rookie Jeron Teng. Almond Vosotros is the main man at the point for them and getting noticeable recruits like Kib Montalbo and Jason Perkins is a great addition for this team. Jason Perkins have stolen the spotlight from the Bacolod native Kib Montablo when he played under pressure against a tough UST squad on opening day. Arnold Van Osptal and Norbert Torres seems improved their skills, thanks to Jun Limpot. My prediction for this team is that they could go all the way to this summer tourney upto the UAAP crown. 

+'s : Giving Jeron Teng some valuable minutes to rest in crucial stretch of the game is a plus for them assuming that Gabby Reyes and Oda Tampus would provide good minutes for them. In the UST game, Gabby Reyes provided the spark off the bench and Jeron Teng got his well deserved minutes. In crucial games, that would be a plus for coach Gee Abanilla. ; Getting Allan Caidic as their shooting coach is humongous.  

-'s : So far, none. 

SAN BEDA RED LIONS : The 3-peat NCAA Champions are still the strongest in the NCAA. They may have lost Jake Pascual, Anjo Caram and Melo Lim to graduation but still, the Red Lions managed to reload every single season. The come-backing twins, Anthony and David Semerad are great addition to an already fierce lineup. Top man for the Lions would still be their junior guard Baser Amer but they need to have a steady back up in order to sustain energy and level of play when Amer hits the bench to rest. Seems like Yvan Ludovice and Utoy Abarcar are fit to the role especially former Red Cub and transferee from the DLSU Green Archers, Dan Sara failed to play well in the 3 games that the Red Lions have played. Also, Jake Pascual's heir, Arthur Dela Cruz is playing well as of late and seems to be a lock at the power forward in the first five position. Kyle Pascual is still be the starting center and graduating Ryusei Koga would be at the 2 spot. Captain Rome De La Rosa would be the anchor in defense but would not hurt if time to time will be carrying the load for them in scoring from penetrations and kick-out passes. First year coach Boyet Fernandez will not have a difficult time adjusting since he served as a consultant last year for the Mendiola-based squad. 

+'s : Having a strong 18 man pool is a plus for the team. I think the decision of getting the best 15 players will be the main issue here.  Reloading each year is the key of success for this team. 

-'s : When guarding foreign recruits especially the big ones, Kyle Pascual should develop more lateral movements and improve his outside game. They need to train bigs like Jeric Estrada (a transferee from Ateneo) and Junjun Bonsubre. Alfred Aroga of NU exposed this weakness. Thank God NU is in the UAAP. 

UST GROWLING TIGERS : Many would argue if I say that the UST Tigers would win and they should win the UAAP crown this year. UST's Westbrook and Durant tandem of Jeric Teng and Aljon Mariano will surely play their hearts out siting the fact that this would be their final playing year together with MVP runner-up Karim Abdul. Coach Pido Jarencio would miss Jeric Fortuna as his main point guard but expect a combo guard like Tata Bautista to do the play-making chores. Kevin Ferrer should still be the first option on guarding the wing scorer of the opponent. Even with only a 6-7 rotation, the Tigers are playing well so far, except for the last 3 minutes against DLSU. The loss of Jeric Fortuna is evident especially in taking crucial decision in the game. 

+'s : They have a formidable 5 that can score inside and out. Imagine a Chicago Bulls squad in the 90's. But Rodman does have an outside shot. This team is scary. 

-'s : Point Guard. I know Tata Bautista can play. He can shoot. But I think he can't do what Jeric Fortuna has done for the team last year. Jon Sheriff and Robbie Tan should improve improve immediately to avoid disasters for their campaign. JMP