Archers, Eagles open Filoil caging bids today

SEVERAL collegiate coaches debut as Ateneo and La Salle tackle separate opponents at the start of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup today.

Mentored by NCAA champion coach Aldin Ayo, the Green Archers kick off the action with Adamson in the premier preseason basketball tournament at 10 a.m. at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Ayo, who joined the Archers just over a month after steering Letran to the crown, will lean on veterans Jeron Teng and Thomas Torres and Cameroonian rookie Ben Mbala.

The Blue Eagles, who are now under the wings of national team coach Tab Baldwin, take on University of the East at 2 p.m.

Hoping to test their new recruits, the Eagles only listed John Apacible, Aaron Black, Chibueze Ikeh, Matt Nieto and Vince Tolentino as holdovers.

UE coach Derick Pumaren’s younger brother Franz, a former champion La Salle mentor, will call the shots for Adamson.

The Falcons boast Filipino-American rookies led by Jerrick Ahanmisi, a brother of Rain or Shine player Maverick Ahanmisi.

Ateneo also opens it bid in juniors action versus NCAA high school powerhouse San Beda at 12 noon.

The Blue Eaglets have lined up 6-foot-9 Kai Sotto, the 13-year-old son of former pro player Ervin Sotto, in their roster. Jasmine W. Payo