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University of the East Red Warriors

Season 70 Record: 14-0, Finals vs. the DLSU Green Archers

Additions: Erwin Duran, Jairold Flores, Paul Zamar, Lucas Tagarda, JM Noble

Subtractions: Mark Borboran, Jorel Canizares, Mark Fampulme, Kelvin Gregorio

Holdovers: Val Acuna, Marcy Arellano, Fhadzmir Bandaying, Elmer Espiritu, Gino Etrone, Paul Lee, Rudy Lingganay, Jr., Narciso Llagas, James Martinez, Raffy Reyes, and Hans Thiele.

Background: Since Coach Dindo Pumaren took over as head coach, the Red Warriors have always competed. Now that this crew had Finals experience and know exactly what it takes to win, even with a 14-0 record, it isn’t even a guarantee entry into the promised land. The window is still open and UE will definitely be a contender.

Key Changes: From being one of the bigger teams in Season 70, this year Red Warriors may not have the height advantage this year, but they will surely be one of the quickest, experienced and deepest teams in Season 71. Even without the all around play of Borboran, Gregorio and Canizares on both ends, look for UE to apply the same energy, intensity and system on offense and defense.

Outlook: The Red Warriors may not be the tallest but they will compensate that lack of size with their hustle and quickness. Elmer Espiritu, Paul Lee and Hans Thiele are one of the most exciting players in the league and they will be fun to watch.

Prognosis: We hope history will be kind to UE because Season 70 was definitely a hard lesson on guarantees - coz there ain’t none. With consistent statement performances in preseason tournaments, the message to everyone in the league is simple, the Red Warriors will always have its eyes set on the prize.

Adamson Falcons

Season 70 Record: 2-12, 7th Place

Additions: Marc Agustin, Mike Galinato, Chesmar Lapitan, Alex Nuyles, Rey Peñalosa, Robert Ruiz

Subtractions: Roylan Agullo, Leo Canuday, Francisco de la Paz, Roel Hugnatan, Patrick Cabahug

Holdovers: Lester Alvarez, Jerick Canada, Jan Colina, Paul Gonzalgo, Rey Gorospe, Janus Lozada, Aldrin Margallo, Jeffrey Olalia, Allan Santos and Junard Yambot.

Background: Consider last season’s performance as a playground, a drama with bigger things to come. The return of Coach Leo Austria is a welcome sign that the Adamson community is ones again committed to winning.

Key Changes: Since his last and only stint with the Falcons before moving to the PBA, Coach Leo Austria has led the Falcons to the Final Four. The major change in the Falcons’ lair is its attitude and renewed spirit. The preseason provided the honeymoon for Coach Leo to send the a clear message to his players - that if you believe in yourselves and work hard for it, big things will happen.

Outlook: Consider this season as ground zero for Adamson - a new beginning. The 2nd coming of Coach Austria will bring renewed energy and attitude to Jerick Canada, Paul Gonzalgo and Rey Gorospe. This regeneration will be a plus for Marc Agustin, Mike Galinato and exciting newcomer Alex Nuyles – these guys will definitely learn how to play the right way in their 1st season - save for Agustin - as collegiate players.

Prognosis: There is no way but up for the Falcons. Bringing up their former tag when they hosted the league in 2005, “soaring� will probably be the description for Adamson this season, but how high? and how far? these burning questions have yet to unfold this Season 71.

University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers

Season 70 Record: 8-6, Playoffs

Subtractions: Hector Badua, John Basa, Jun Cortez, June Dizon, Anthony Espiritu, Rum Perry Scott, Francis Soriano

Additions: Carmelo Afuang, Clark Bautista, Christopher Camus, Carlos Fenequito, Jeric Fortuna, Allen Maliksi, Emilian Vargas, Jackson Wong

Holdovers: Dylan Ababou, Francis Allera, Mark Canlas, Jervy Cruz, Japs Cuan, Melchor Gile, Khazim Mirza and Chester Taylor.

Background: Season 70 was a roller coaster ride for Coach Pido Jarencio. The Growling Tigers managed to win some key games along the way only to come up short by season’s end.

Key Changes: There is nothing that this team cannot do. If not for their injuries to key players, this is one of the deepest and meanest teams this season. Overall, this team can run, execute well in the half-court, shoot, rebound and defend against any team you throw at them in this league.

Outlook: UST has operated below the radar and away from the prying eyes of scouts and observers, a familiar ploy employed by Coach Pido Jarencio since he took over as head coach. So far it has worked with a charm and the Growling Tigers have remained seeded throughout his coaching stint. UST have managed to hide prized rookies Jeric Fortuna, Chris Camus and Allen Maliksi.

Prognosis: UST has always been long, big and athletic. With some noted starters like Jervy Cruz and Dylan Ababou nursing some injuries, expect to have a long season for the Growling Tigers. The element of surprise is at Coach Jarencio’s favor. This team is deep in every aspect except maybe for the point guard position. Khasim Mirza, Francis Allera and Mark Canlas are flexible enough to help out in anyway they can, especially with their starters operating below their usual readiness.

Tags: Adamson, Be-Like-Mike, Falcons, Growling-Tigers, Petron, Red-Warriors, Season-71, UAAP, UE, UST

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