TESTED the last time out, coach Topex Robinson of defending champion La Salle is not putting too much pressure on the Green Archers.
“We decided last season that we wanna win the championship and it’s given to us now, so we know the responsibility of being the previous champions and we kinda take that out of our vocabulary, we’re not defending anything right now,” Robinson said. “In Season 87 every team has a chance to really win it.
“We’re just here to really attack the season and see where our courage, our understanding of each other, our trust, our love for each other throughout the season is gonna take us,” he added.
La Salle’s grit will be tested anew when it battles Adamson University today in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The game is set at 4:30 p.m. before University of Santo Tomas also seeks a 2-0 start against Ateneo in the nightcap at 6:30.
The Archers are coming off a 78-75 come-from-behind win over the National University Bulldogs last Sunday behind the heroics of reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao.
The Soaring Falcons spoiled the coaching debut of Far Eastern University tactician Sean Chambers 59-47 three days ago.
Adamson strategist Nash Racela acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the new season.
“Sana (hindi na bad start) pero just like what I told you, I didn’t really know what to expect coming into the game,” Racela said.
“Siguro ganoon din sa mga susunod na games, it’s really up to the players. They get a lot of freedom but at the same time, may have the responsibility that comes with it.”
The Growling Tigers showed their potential with a commanding 70-55 win over University of the East. Mali’s Mo Tounkara and transferee Forthsky Padrigao played pivotal roles in that win.
Padrigao, who will face his former team for the first time, previously won a title with the Blue Eagles late last year before moving to España.
UST coach Pido Jarencio expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“Happy ako dito sa first game namin, ito iyong breakout game namin. Basta sabi ko makuha lang namin ito, iyong confidence tataas,” Jarencio said. “Kami naman well prepared kami kasi iyong mga assistant coach ko scouting coach iyon sa mga teams nila katulad si coach Peter (Martin) nag-scout iyan sa San Miguel, si coach Juno (Sauler) ganoon din, si coach Jaren (Jarencio) ganoon din sa Northport kaya well-scouted, well-prepared kami”
Ateneo, which opened its season with a 61-77 loss to University of the Philippines last Saturday, will look to bounce back and match UST’s two-win output from last year.
Chris Koon remains a doubtful starter due to a sprained ankle sustained late in the first half against the Fighting Maroons.
