INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Rivals Ateneo and La Salle Zobel cross paths right on opening day of the UAAP juniors basketball competition with both squads still boasting of a talented crew of second-generation players.

The Blue Eaglets, bidding for a second straight championship just like their senior counterparts, kick off their campaign against the Junior Archers on July 12 at 2:15 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan.

Team captain Al Bugarin will lead the Eaglets’ repeat bid along with PBA mentor Chot Reyes’ son Ice, champion coach Joel Banal’s son Ael, former Tanduay bruiser Ely Capacio’s son Tim and former PBA Rookie of the Year Bong Ravena’s eldest Kiefer.

Nico Elorde, grandson of boxing great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and youngest son of boxing promoters Johnny and Liza, will spearhead the 2007 champion Jr. Archers’ bid together with Luigi dela Paz and Gwyne Capacio, the son of Far Eastern U coach Glenn.

Last season’s runner-up FEU-FERN clashes with Adamson at 12:30 p.m. in the second game of the opening four-game bill.

University of the Philippines and University of the East open hostilities at 9 a.m., followed by the 10:45 a.m. battle between University of Santo Tomas and National University.