NU draws ‘favorite’ label

All eyes will be on defending champion National University when the 7th Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship Rain or Shine Cup tips off on Dec. 15 at SGS Gym in Quezon City.

The Bullpups will be bringing in heavy reinforcement for the annual meet of the top high school teams.

“NU will be the team to beat,” said Mapua assistant coach Ian Racela. “Especially with the addition of Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Gerry Abadiano, they’re really complete.”

The Bullpups are in Group A alongside NCAA semifinalists Jose Rizal University and Northern Luzon champs University of Baguio.

San Beda, FEU and Cesafi squad University of Cebu are in Group B. UST, La Salle Greenhills and Fcaaf powerhouse Hope Christian High School are clustered in Group C, while Mapua, Xavier and Chiang Kai Shek are in Group D.

The top two teams in each group after a single round robin will qualify to the knockout quarterfinals phase.

Despite NU being the favored squad, NCAA champions Mapua and other topnotch programs will provide legitimate challenge.

High school stars such as Harvey Pagsanjan of Hope Christian High School and RJ Abarrientos of FEU are also expected to suit up.

“All teams are even, they’re all tough,” said Hope head coach Stevenson Tiu.

JRU head coach Vic Lazaro echoed the same sentiments.