MANILA, Philippines — Overlooked before its surprise UAAP title romp last season, La Salle has turned into an easy top pick this time.
But the Green Archers don’t want their fancy billing to get in the way of their title defense when Season 77 of the men’s basketball tournament fires off this Saturday.
“We don’t focus too much on expectations or the opinions of others,” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler. “Our day-to-day improvement when we get together in practice—that is what’s more important than the expectations.”
The Archers boast a virtually intact lineup bannered by last year’s Finals MVP Jeron Teng, Arnold Van Opstal, Jason Perkins and Almond Vosotros.
But they even beefed it up with prized recruits Prince Rivero, last year’s NCAA juniors MVP; Fil-Ams Julian Sargent and Abu Tratter, and Terence Mustre, son of former PBA player Mike Mustre.
“Obviously, La Salle is the team to beat,” said National University coach Eric Altamirano during the league press conference Monday at Gloria Maris, Gateway. “They have the experience and the players who know how to win.”
The Archers plunge into action against Far Eastern University at 4 p.m. on opening day right after the 2 p.m. tussle between University of the East and University of the Philippines.
“We lost our major players, but our target this season is to better our performance last year,” said FEU coach Nash Racela as the Tamaraws try to do without topnotch guards RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo who have both turned pro.
The Bulldogs are aiming to return to the Final Four minus two-time MVP Ray Parks while the Falcons are hoping to move on without ace guard Jericho Cruz, who is joining this year’s pro draft.
“It’s still a learning process for my team,” said Adamson coach Kenneth Duremdes.
UE’s Derrick Pumaren, one of three new coaches this season along with Duremdes and Santo Tomas’ Bong dela Cruz, also targets the top four.
“You can expect us to play hard every game,” said Pumaren. “Our goal everyday in practice is to improve,” said Dela Cruz of the Tigers.
Ateneo and UP are both fresh off overseas training.
The Blue Eagles, who also trained in the United States and Japan, are returning from South Korea, while the Maroons are set to arrive today from a tournament in Taiwan.