Eagles, Archers open Filoil Premier Cup bids today

ATENEO starts a new chapter under coach Bo Perasol while La Salle unveils its star recruits when the two rivals take on separate opponents at the start of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup today.

Both squads lead a parade of new-look teams that also include San Beda, also with a new coach in Boyet Fernandez when it takes on National University in the first of a three-game bill at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Green Archers, bannered by highly touted rookie Kib Montalbo, battle University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m., while the Blue Eagles clash with Cebu champion Southwestern University at 6.

A 1 p.m. opening ceremony kicks off the premier summer varsity league that serves as a preview of the UAAP and NCAA campaigns of 18 teams.

The Archers also boast star recruits Robert Bolick from La Salle Green Hills and Filipino-Americans Jason Andrew Perkins (Minnesota), Matthew Salem (Florida) and Michael Haruna (New Jersey).

Although the Blue Eagles have listed UAAP juniors star Jerie Pingoy, the debut of the former FEU guard remains doubtful due to a controversial UAAP rule that requires high school player transfering to a member school to serve a two-year residency.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets at 4702222 for the tournament co-presented by Master Facial Wash, Starmobile, Meralco and San Mig Coffee.