Tamaraws battle Stags in Premier Cup debut

FEU Tamaraws celebrate the UAAP championship. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

A FAR Eastern University squad that lost its champion core kicks off its campaign in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup Wednesday.

The Tamaraws—who will have to do without the stars who powered them to the UAAP crown last season—will clash with San Sebastian at 1:30 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

University of the Philippines, with coach Bo Perasol making his debut, tangles with Perpetual Help at 3:15 p.m. in a heavy five-game bill of the premier preseason basketball tournament.

“They’ve been practicing, so as far as conditioning, it’s not from zero,” said Perasol, who attended the Maroons’ training for the first time last Monday.

“The primary objective now is to get to know the team and the abilities of each player. But right now, we obviously lack a reliable big man.”

Lyceum and Mapua get the action going at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 11:15 a.m. duel between Arellano and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

National University, who’s set to unveil former Chiang Kai Shek star guard JV Gallego, collide with St. Benilde at 5 p.m.

The Tamaraws reel from the graduation of the top trio of Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy, along with vital cogs Russel Escoto and Francis Tamsi.

But FEU coach Nash Racela expects the holdovers led by Raymar Jose, Achie Iñigo and Prince Orizu to step up this year.

The Tamaraws face a San Sebastian side that tapped a new coach in Egay Macaraya, who will bank on veteran guard Ryan Costelo and forward Michael Calisaan.