Papi Sarr vs Cheick Kone. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
New coaches will get their mettle tested in the opening gameday of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament on September 4 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coaches Bo Perasol and Franz Pumaren make their debuts for University of Philippines and Adamson as they raise curtain for the seniors’ hoops at 2 p.m.
UST and Ateneo, meanwhile, rekindle their rivalry at 4 p.m., as coaches Boy Sablan and Tab Baldwin duel in the second game.
The Growling Tigers, this season’s host, released the full first round schedule on Thursday as they scheduled an Olympic-style opening inside their campus on Saturday, September 3.
Action continues on Wednesday, September 7 at Mall of Asia Arena with National U facing University of the East at 2 p.m., and defending champion Far Eastern U clashing against the powerhouse La Salle at 4 p.m.
It will also be a loaded gameday on September 14, as Baldwin and his Gilas assistant Nash Racela meet for the first time when the Blue Eagles go against the Tamaraws, followed by another chapter in the storied duels of UST and La Salle.
The Bulldogs, then, test their mettle next against the Green Archers on September 18, while coach Franz Pumaren takes on his alma mater when Adamson takes its shot on La Salle at September 24.
Last year’s finalists UST and FEU will meet on October 1.
Brothers Franz and Derrick will also serve as an appetizer in a busy October 2 gameday when UE and Adamson cancel each other out at 11 p.m., before Ateneo and La Salle fight for supremacy at the Mall of Asia Arena at 4 p.m.