ATENEO and San Beda hope to use the 2012 FilOil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup starting tomorrow as a launching pad for their title-retention bids in the UAAP and NCAA.
The Eagles and Lions figured in an exciting finals series last year in the preseason tournament won by Ateneo, before they ruled their respective leagues.
The two teams, although running on different bearings with San Beda undergoing a coaching change, still loom as favorites in the tournament presented by Bostik Phils.
Ateneo guard Kiefer Ravena burst into the scene in the FilOil tournament last year, raising expectations in his first season in the UAAP. The 5-foot-11 former national youth player sustained his fiery form on his way to grabbing Rookie of the Year honors to add to his MVP trophy in the preseason event.
Ateneo kicks off its campaign against Letran at 2 p.m. before San Beda clashes with La Salle. Jose Rizal U and National U square off in the last game at 6 p.m.
Expected to grace the opening-day games are Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia, Rep. JV Ejercito and San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez.
Kevin Alas and Mark Cruz will carry the fight for the Knights along with improving big men Jonathan Belorio and Raymond Almazan.
With starters Jake Pascual and Rome dela Rosa still in the squad, the Red Lions, now coached by Ronnie Magsanoc, are still a force to reckon with in the tournament held in cooperation with Total Phils. Corp. with major sponsors Kia Motors, BDO, TMS Ship Agencies Inc., Bayo, Molten, Nature’s Spring and Oxycan and minor sponsors Bagoong Club Resto, Union Bank and Bacchus.
Tickets are available at SM Tickets at 4702222 or at the Arena gate.