La Salle unanimous pick as team to beat by coaches this UAAP Season 77

MANILA, Philippines—Parading the same core from last year’s championship run, De La Salle will be coming into the 77th Season of the UAAP with a big target on its back.

“La Salle is going to be the barometer this season,” said Ateneo assistant coach Yuri Escueta, who represented Ateneo with the Blue Eagles still in Korea competing in a tournament as part of its buildup during the UAAP launch Monday at Gloria Maris Gateway at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

“La Salle is the favorite,” said Far Eastern University head coach Nash Racela, whose team will usher in a new era after his two star guards RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo are now in the PBA.

The Green Archers will be bannered by Jeron Teng, Arnold Van Opstal and Almond Vosotros with talented rookies including NCAA juniors MVP Prince Rivero in tow.

From last season’s conquest at the expense of University of Santo Tomas, loser of the past two finals, only playmaker LA Revilla is not coming back to the lineup after playing out his final year.

“La Salle is still going to be the team to beat because they have an intact lineup,” said new University of the East coach Derrick Pumaren.

Green Archers head coach Juno Sauler, on the other hand, downplayed his fellow coaches’ assessment.

“In my humble opinion, I don’t focus too much on expectations,” Sauler said. “Day by day, we’re just focusing on getting better and performing every game. That’s what’s important more than expectations.”