MANILA, Philippines — La Salle star Jeron Teng expects his new teammates to make a quick impact as the Green Archers unveil a stellar cast of recruits in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Saturday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Green Archers, the UAAP champions who beefed up an already solid crew, get to test their prized finds at 4 p.m. against a University of the East side adjusting to the system of new coach Derrick Pumaren.
“This year we have a lot of rookies, and from what I see, they can really help the team,” said Teng. “For sure they’ll have a huge impact.”
Powerhouse San Beda, fresh from a three-week training in Lithuania, battles Letran in a rematch of last season’s NCAA Finals at 2 p.m.
UAAP semifinalist Far Eastern University tackles Mapua at 11:15 a.m, right after the 9:30 duel between San Sebastian and University of the Philippines.
High school champions San Beda and National University clash in the lone juniors match at 6 p.m.
The Archers, who still have vital cogs Arnold Van Opstal, Jason Perkins and Almond Vosotros on their roster, will parade rookies Abu Tratter and Julian Sargent, both Filipino-Americans, NCAA juniors MVP Prince Rivero and Terrence Mustre.
“We’ll play La Salle with less than two weeks of practice,” said Pumaren. “Our defense will be the number one option.”
Pumaren still have topnotch guard Roi Sumang and African center Charles Mammie at his disposal.