Baldwin, new coaches open UAAP hoop wars

NEW FACES pack the sidelines as four of five new coaches debut right on opening day of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament on Sept. 4 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Host University of Santo Tomas, with new mentor Boy Sablan, takes on an Ateneo side that tapped no less than national team coach Tab Baldwin at 4 p.m.

University of the Philippines, which signed up Bo Perasol right after his three-year stint with Ateneo, heads into a 2 p.m. duel versus an Adamson squad that hopes to turn its fate around with former champion La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.

Before the on-court action, the league formally unfolds on Sept. 3 with a unique opening ceremony at the Quadricentennial Pavilion and the Plaza Mayor inside the UST campus.

Ballroom dancing and a concert party will highlight the kickoff celebration that will also feature the traditional parade of the eight-member universities.

Far Eastern University coach Nash Racela and his Tamaraws start their title defense against La Salle, the preseason favorite which got former champion Letran mentor Aldin Ayo on board.

The anticipated blockbuster battle is set at 4 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Mall of Asia Arena.

National University’s Eric Altamirano and his Bulldogs clash with University of the East’s Derrick Pumaren and his Warriors on the same day at 2 p.m.

The league retained lawyer Rebo Saguisag as commissioner.