Blue Eagle 40 Episode Three: Previewing UAAP Season 76 with Juami Tiongson and JP Erram

In episode three of Blue Eagle 40, Juami Tiongson and JP Erram join me in talking about UAAP Season 76

Episode Three Part One

Episode Three Part Two

Here are the past episodes of Blue Eagle 40

Episode One - Bo Perasol

Episode Two - Fille Cainglet and Alyssa Valdez

UAAP Season 76 Men's Basketball Preview: National University and the University of the East

UAAP Season 76 Men’s Basketball Preview

Part Three: NU and UE

by rick olivares

NU Bulldogs

Head coach: Eric Altamirano (third year)

Season 75 record: 9-5, Final Four

Filoil record: 10-1, lost in the finals

Key losses: Jul-Ashri Ignacio, Henri Betayene, Reden Celda, Ajeet Singh

Additions: JJ Alejandro (Mapua), Alfred Aroga (Bilingue Luc Legrand – Cameroon), Nico Javelona (West Negros University), William Maurice Porter (Pacific Hills School – USA),

Projected starting five: Jean Mbe (center), Troy Rosario (power forward), Jeff Javillionar (small forward), Ray Parks (shooting guard), Gelo Alolino (point guard)

This team is ready to win it all. Now that’s a strong statement.

Even if they lost to the UE Red Warriors in the Filoil finals, they are still the top-ranked team. And it’s even cool to know that they are embracing it.

This season really represents their best opportunity to bag that elusive crown they last hoisted in 1955.

For them to accomplish that, they will need to dig deep and draw out career performances from those playing their final years -- long-time center Jean Mbe, forward Dennice Villamor, and guards Mark De Guzman and Robin Roño. And there’s even talks that this might be Ray Parks’ last. Whether true or not, the onus now on them is to snatch that crown while Ateneo is reloading.

The Bulldogs have won the Filoil, Fr. Martin’s Cup, and University Games but the grand prize that eludes them is the UAAP.

This team that Eric Altamirano put together has been together for three years now and there are no more excuses about not having team chemistry or the experience. They have the team and the players to win it. They even added Alfred Aroga, a terrific find who can give NU versatility up front and on the break. Imagine if Mbe and Aroga are on their game… there’s not going to be any relief for opposing centers and teams. The Bulldogs also have JJ Alejandro who after red-shirting last season, plays like a veteran. He can certainly add to their shooting from the outside.

Confidence can be fleeting. They unraveled on national television during the Filoil finals when they failed to keep track of Parks’ fouls and they struggled to match up with UE. However, I don’t think they’ll fall in that trap again.

What the Bulldogs have done right is have the other players step up and not rely on Parks. They have to have one or two others chip in. In the pre-season that was Aroga and Troy Rosario. As key as Parks is, if Rosario can help out on the boards and in the scoring, they have a better chance of winning.

They have a balanced line up of bigs, shooters, and creators. They have the athletes who can also jump outside the gym. What the coaching staff has to worry about is their bench that has shown an alarming propensity to turn into bystanders.

If they can handle the pressure in this wide open race for the crown. If they do well in the first and second rounds, their confidence will surge. Then you can look for them to book a final slot.

UE Red Warriors

Head coach: Boycie Zamar (second year, fifth overall)

Season 75 record: 3-11

Filoil record: 9-2, champion

Key losses: Gene Belleza, Anthony Olayon, Sam Razon, Erwin Duran, Paul Meña, Vincent Villarias, Ian Valdez, Carlo Duncil

Additions: Lord Casajeros (returns to the lineup after a year’s sabbatical), Leo Guion (Hope Christian High School), Gino Jumao-as (San Sebastian High School), Charles Mammie (College for Boys – Sierra Leone), JM Noble (returns to line-up after a year’s sabbatical), Ralf Olivares (Macabalan National High School), Luis Adrian Pujante (San Beda College)

Projected starting five: Chris Javier (center), Adrian Santos (power forward), Jay-R Sumido (small forward), Lord Casajeros (shooting guard), Roi Sumang (point guard)

It’s amazing what a coaching change and a massive dose of confidence can do for a team. Unknown to most, since Zamar took over late last season, this team has won six championships! They won the 9^th Asian University Basketball Federation Games, the 10^th Fr. Martin’s Cup II, the University College Basketball League in Malaysia, the 2013 Aspac Invitational Basketball Tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia, the 2013 Malay Municipal Mayor’s Cup in Boracay, and the recent Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup where they topped heavy favorite National University.

They also made the finals of last year’s University Games only they didn’t suit up as it conflicted with their departure for the tournament in Malaysia (that they won).

With center Charles Mammie hauling down those rebounds, scorers like Roi Sumang and Jay-R Sumido can shoot a little more knowing there’s someone who can clean up the boards.

While Mammie outplayed (and out-trash talked) Jean Mbe and Alfred Aroga in the Filoil finals, I do not expect a repeat performance as they now know how to play the Sierra Leone native.

I mentioned the Greg Slaughter Principle (where an incoming big man replaces the previous starting center) when it comes to the Adamson Falcons. Although UE starts Chris Javier and brings Mammie off the bench, there are times when the two play alongside with the former sliding to the power forward position. Javier looked lost at times during the pre-season playing a lot farther from the basket. If he can figure out how it can work for him (he should work on his perimeter shooting as well) then the Red Warriors will cause opposing teams many a problem.

For Mammie to be effective, he has to stay on the floor. He has to realize the officiating in the Filoil tournament is way different from the UAAP.

The biggest addition is transferee Ralf Olivares who should have suited up last season but went down with a knee injury. With only a year left, look for this player to make an even bigger impact than Sumido who only bombards from the outside. Olivares can take it inside and out making him a valuable all-around player.

But the Red Warriors are led by Roi Sumang. His back ups at the one-spot are miles off – Guion and Pujante. Lord Casajeros can bring up the ball. Ditto with Sumido and Olivares.

The late emergence of Gino Jumao-as, the ex-San Sebastian Staglets star will offset the loss of Mario Bonleon, the La Salle Greenhills star who never met a shot he didn’t like. Bonleon, buried in the bench decided to return to Davao (it was a family decision to pull him out). He would have been a terrific weapon the following year were it not for the impatience of youth.

Jumao-as in the meantime gives UE another dimension at the forward position as he can create not only for himself but also his teammates. In the Filoil finals against NU, Jumao-as was paired with Sumang and that was a devastating combination.

Perhaps the biggest upside for this long-suffering team is their head coach (Zamar) and their braintrust (Bai Cristobal, Bong Ramos, Billy Reyes, and Nomar Isla). Zamar has been an excellent motivator for the Red Warriors. Six titles in less than a year has got to mean something.

And that means they are oozing with confidence. More so, they know they can beat everyone in the league. And that’s a dangerous advantage for them.

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Here are the first two parts of my UAAP Season 76 Men's Basketball Preview

Part One: Adamson and Ateneo

Part Two: La Salle and FEU 

TOMORROW -- UP and UST!

Hey, Dwight Howard... the signs are all over the place.

I like what the Los Angeles Lakers are doing. The nightmare that was last season is over and they know that for this franchise, the bumps on the road are infrequent but they do happen. Unlike in 2004 when they blew up that team that lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, they are looking to give this team another chance by keeping key players. It isn't every day where you land a top flight center and maybe if they fix things, it will be much better for them in the next season. Those billboards that appear all over Los Angeles are a cool way of telling Dwight Howard publicly that they want him to stay and he's a major part of the their plans. For all the drama and tension of the last season, the Lakers are still one of the best sports franchises (and they take care of their people there).  

I don't remember now but did Cleveland do something for LeBron James before he bolted for South Beach? But it worked out for LBJ in Miami. Just too bad he's become one of the most reviled athletes. But I am sure that history will be kind to him later. After all, he's not a bad guy.

The Baltimore Ravens take a shot at the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat must be one of the most unpopular NBA teams/champs in recent memory. Even in victory, many still take shots at them. Including the NFL's Baltimore Ravens who deigned to compare the crowds that showed up for the Heat's parade. I guess, like the Game Six crowds, they left early too. Snicker. But according to reports, some 400,000 Miami fans turned out. Double than Baltimore's. Snicker.

Here's a pic taken by Heat fan Darren Rovell. 

UAAP Season 76 Men’s Basketball Preview Part Two: La Salle and FEU

UAAP Season 76 Men’s Basketball Preview

Part Two: La Salle and FEU

by rick olivares

La Salle Green Archers

Head coach: Juno Sauler (first year)

Season 75 record: 9-5, Final Four

Filoil record: 6-3

Key losses: Yutien Andrada, Jovet Mendoza, Joshua Webb, Jed Manguera, Mark Tallo, Papot Paredes, Ponso Gotladera

Additions: Robert Bolick Jr. (La Salle Greenhills), Kib Montalbo (St. John’s Institute Bacolod), Jason Perkins (Shekopee High School, Minnesota), Matt Salem (Lake Howell),

Projected starting five: Norbert Torres (center), Jason Perkins (power forward), Jeron Teng (small forward), Gab Reyes (shooting guard), Thomas Torres (point guard)

They are one of the most scrutinized and talked about teams especially after their late pre-season fall and changes. Can they make the final four or even win it all?

It is foolish to count them out. Never do that. One great game can turn everything around. Besides, the last time I checked, a pre-season title doesn’t guarantee an UAAP championship.

What should the Green Archers do if they want to get into the title race?

The Green Archers actually have a complete team even with only 13 players in the line-up. They have height in Nobert Torres, Arnold Van Opstal, and Jason Perkins. They’ve got gunners in Luigi dela Paz, Almond Vosotros, and Gab Reyes. They’ve got slashers in Jeron Teng and Oda Tampus. And they have a terrific point guard cadre in LA Revilla, Thomas Torres, Robert Bolick, and Kib Montalbo (Almond Vosotros can also man that court general position when need be).

So what’s the problem? In my opinion, it’s a crisis of confidence. They have a nice balance of veterans and talented newcomers. Teams wish they had a line up like this.

In the pre-season, they were a frightening juggernaut bowling over one team after another. Until they ran into Ateneo and San Beda that dealt them crushing defeats. But that’s the pre-season. You learn from that. What they have to put it together consistently and fire on all cylinders. When they accomplish that they’ll be rolling.

Jason Perkins is a massive addition down low. He’s not the tallest but he has a nose for that ball and he can put it in the hole. If he’s on, there’ll be no relief for opposing teams more so if AVO and Norbert are humming. How they play will be crucial to their campaign as we have seen that the UAAP is still a big man’s league.

You need me to expound? Jervy Cruz, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, and Greg Slaughter all led their teams to five of the last seven titles. Teams are loaded for bear up front to ensure domination of the paint – UST has Karim Abdul, FEU has Anthony Hargrove, UE has Charles Mammie (and we all saw what he is bringing to the table for the Red Warriors), NU has Jean Mbe and Alfred Aroga, and Adamson has Ingrid Sewa. The arms race is at the center position. AVO and Norbert Torres have to compete and go hard against these guys if they want a fighting chance.

Jeron Teng in only his first year was as close to becoming the King Archer. However, his inexperience saw him give way at times. Luckily for La Salle, Almond Vosotros is clutch. And that helps them in the endgame. They just have to be consistent about it.

With Juno Sauler at the helm, and with his experience in the college and pro ranks, it’s a plus that no one has scouted them. What everyone knows is they were a solid defensive team last year. They have to continue with that mindset if they want to continue to compete.

However, it is as I said, you cannot count them out. They’ll be in the thick of things.

FEU Tamaraws

Head coach: Nash Racela (first year)

Season 75 record: 9-5

Filoil record: 4-4

Key losses: Arvie Bringas, Russell Escoto, John Foronda, Mark Bringas, Jolas Guerrero

Additions: Joshua Aguilon (FEU-FERN), Jeson Delfinado (FEU-FERN),  August Vince Denila (University of Visayas), Ron Dennison (Southern City Colleges), Joel Lee Yu (FEU-FERN), Jovanie Luz (FEU-FERN)

Projected starting five: Anthony Hargrove (center), Carl Cruz (power forward), Rey Belo (small forward), RR Garcia (shooting guard), Mike Tolomia (point guard)

As new coach Nash Racela, it is best that for once, they are approaching the season without top seedings. It’s not to underplay this team that on any given day can light it up even with all their loses in personnel.

One might be tempted to ask if the Tamaraws’ braintrust was slack in their recruiting. Actually, no. They have added a few pieces to their puzzle every year for the last few years – Roger Pogoy, Arvie Bringas, Anthony Hargrove, and Rey Mark Belo. Not so bad, right?

Then they have their kids from the juniors title team (sans Jerie Pingoy and Roger Domingo). What they didn’t anticipate was losing Arvie Bringas because of management’s disenchantment with his attitude that cost them a few games last season as well as Russell Escoto who is out for the year with a knee injury.

With a depleted Ateneo team, the race for the basketball crown is wide open. FEU although their situation in some ways mirrors Ateneo’s (guard-driven) has a chance as well.

Now how do they make it to the Final Four?

1.    The Tamaraws’ game is now in the hands of their guards and they have three of the best in the business in RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo, and Mike Tolomia. The question in the past several seasons is can all three make sweet music together?

Whatever chemistry problems among the three they may have, one of their bright spots during the summer was the emergence of Tolomia. One of the three will have to come off the bench to provide firepower.

In case anyone was watching, Garcia seems to have recovered his UAAP MVP form late in the pre-season. I think he’s found his groove again.

Their guards’ understanding and acceptance of their roles is crucial to this season’s success.

2.    For all their guards’ firepower, they need to integrate Anthony Hargrove in the mix.

The Tamaraws do not have much inside. Christian Sentcheu is a good locker room leader. He always tries to do his best on the court even if limited. But they’ll need monster productions from Hargrove for them to have a fighting chance. During the summer, he looked lost with their new offense that is really predicated on guard play. In the previous season, at times, the ball would go down to either of the Bringas brothers to let them create.

Hargrove isn’t the creative sort as he needs to be fed that ball. Although he has shown a deft touch when it comes to drop passes. He’ll need to open up that lane for Garcia and Tolomia. Romeo is no problem. He’s a one-man arsenal who can light it up.

Racela must also count on Carl Cruz, Gryann Mendoza, Roger Pogoy, and Belo to provide points in the paint.

3.    Their nine-man rotation is solid. They need to bring it or else that will force Racela to dig deep into his bench. Hopefully, their kids can find playing time as well that will bolster their drive to the playoffs.

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Read Part One of my UAAP Season 76 previews: the Adamson Soaring Falcons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles 

Tomorrow: National University and the UE Red Warriors.

The new Kiefer Ravena Phenom shirt from Blue Crew

This will be available at the Loyola Bookstore at the Ateneo college and at game venues for Season 76.

UAAP Season 76 Men's Basketball Preview Part One: Adamson & Ateneo

UAAP Season 76 Men’s Basketball Preview

Part One: Adamson & Ateneo

by rick olivares

Adamson Falcons

Head coach: Leo Austria (seventh year)

Season 75 record: 3-11

Filoil record: 6-3

Key losses: Eric Camson, Alex Nuyles, Allen Etrone, Jeffrey Olalia, James Deans

Additions: Matthew Bernabe (University of the East), Jerome Garcia (Jose Rizal University), Axel Iñigo (San Beda College), Dawn Hnyric Ochea (Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu), Ingrid Sewa (Biyem-assi High School Cameroon)

Projected starting five: Ingrid Sewa (center), Rodney Brondial (power forward), Jansen Rios (small forward), Jericho Cruz (shooting guard), Ryan Monteclaro (point guard)

Can the Falcons bounce back after a disappointing S75?

For Adamson to do better this season, they’ll need to work on a few things:

1.    How Adamson adjusts to what I call the Greg Slaughter Principle (wherein you thrown in a massive center to the team and displace some vets). The addition of Ingrid Sewa at center has seen Rodney Brondial move to the power forward position previously filled by Eric Camson. This was like Justin Chua and Frank Golla losing their spots when Greg Slaughter joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ line-up.

There were long stretches in the summer where Brondial was lost in the offensive or defensive scheme of things as Adamson also struggled to integrate Sewa. Eventually, Brondial was named to the Mythical Selection of the Filoil tournament. If he can keep it up, he’ll be a huge addition as Coach Leo can draw some firepower from that spot.

If Sewa can watch his fouls, hit his free throws and grab those rebounds, he’ll be a huge help for Adamson. He cannot keep asking for the ball. I believe Adamson will play better with the ball going through Cruz and Brondial as opposed to Sewa who is foul and turnover prone.

2.    The team finally had a full pre-season with Jericho Cruz as the main man. Last season after the untimely season-ending injury to Alex Nuyles, Cruz took over the team as chief creator. But it wasn’t enough as the Falcons clearly suffered from the graduation of its two points guards -- Lester Alvarez and Jerick Cañada.

For Adamson to roll, they’ll need better leadership and more contributions from Ryan Monteclaro who had his moments but they were few and far in between. Ar-arouf Julkipli missed the pre-season so it’s anyone’s guess how good he’ll be. They added Axel Iñigo from NCAA Juniors champion San Beda and he’ll be a terrific addition. Iñigo will run the Falcons’ offense one day but it’s still a learning process for him.

If the guard corps can contribute that will be a huge addition to Austria’s team. Never mind the ball handling or the assists, as it will be Cruz who will handle that most of the time.

3.    The Falcons will need to get Roider Cabrera going when he comes off the bench. I was surprised they didn’t run too many plays for him when he came on the court. They will need his offense (read: three-point shooting) to open up the lane for Cruz’ incursions or for Sewa and Brondial to post-up.

4.    They blew hot and cold last year and in the pre-season. But Jansen Rios and Harry Petilos are every bit as crucial. Consistency and focus on the game are things they need to work on.

Ateneo Blue Eagles

Head coach: Bo Perasol (first year)

Season 75 record: 15-2, Champion

Filoil record: 7-1

Key losses: Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, Justin Chua, Tonino Gonzaga, Oping Sumalinog, Kris Porter

Additions: Anton Asistio (Ateneo High School), Fran Asuncion (Ateneo High School), Ivan Enriquez (Ateneo High School), Earl Murphy (Southville International School), Chris Newsome (Rio Rancho High School New Mexico), Vince Tolentino (Langara, Canada)

Projected starting five: Frank Golla (center), Chris Newsome (power forward), Von Pessumal (small forward), Kiefer Ravena (shooting guard), Juami Tiongson (point guard)

Can the Blue Eagles win a sixth straight title in spite of being depleted, height-challenged, and having concerns about their players’ health?

Yes. But it’s going to be much harder than anything they’ve faced. Much more difficult than the three-peat year (season 73). Every team more than ever is gunning for the crown that sits atop their head. Because of the graduations of key players and the concerns about the health of some players, opposing teams can smell blood in the water.  They will have to be accomplish three things to achieve a sixth straight title (yes, the team is still hungry for more):

1.    Draw magnificent performances from key veterans and newcomers.

Bo Perasol has 10 holdovers from last year’s title team. However, of the 10, only Ryan Buenafe, Kiefer Ravena, Juami Tiongson, Nico Elorde, and JP Erram got significant playing time.

Frank Golla didn’t play much last year but he had a terrific summer and looks to have recovered his form and confidence from Season 73 and then some.

They have the championship experience but is it enough?

This is now Kiefer Ravena’s team. But the great thing about the Phenom is he knows when to take a backseat or when to take over. Expect him to have a terrific season that could see him vie for MVP honors. I know the individual awards aren’t important for him as the six-peat is the ultimate goal but still.  

Ryan Buenafe must have a breakout season. He cannot afford to be picky about his games. He has to show up every single match. He might have great basketball instincts but if he wants to bring it to the pros he must show that he can be consistent.

Chris Newsome must do two things: help out in the frontcourt and stay out of foul trouble. If he can accomplish both, the Blue Eagles will be very competitive.

I am worried that JP Erram might not be in basketball shape as he spent more than half the summer recuperating from his injuries. Any chance of going deep into the season also depends on his health. He’s healthy now but is he season ready?

Golla must play continue to play smart and not let the dirty play and spotty calls affect his game.

If Perasol can draw out the games of Nico Elorde (shooting) and Von Pessumal (all-around play) with bonus points coming from the rookies, then that’s a load off the starters’ shoulders.

2.    In my interview with Bo Perasol in the first episode of Blue Eagle 40, the first year head coach said that he’s used to the pressure. “Kinakain ko na yung pressure for breakfast,” he said.

Depleted or not, Perasol who is used to working with teams with deficiencies (lack of top players), must turn in his best coaching job ever.

In seasons past, Ateneo made an art form out of its halftime adjustments. How well the Blue Eagles adjust to adversity will also determine how far they go this year.

3.    Can the Blue Eagles reprise Season 73 and defend that shaded lane by committee?

If JP Erram weren’t coming off an ACL injury, I’d rank the Blue Eagles much higher. But his knee is still suspect. And so is Giboy Babilonia’s shoulder.

Ivan Enriquez, a former Blue Eaglet who spent time in Team B, along with Vince Tolentino are tasked to help out Golla and Newsome. I liked Enriquez during his juniors days but I am not sure if how he’ll fare against top-flight competition. But it says here that lightning will strike twice (ala Jason Escueta in Season 73).

Tolentino has good instincts but needs to bulk up. He gives up so much space by always backing up when posted up. Not a good idea to give up that space as before you know it, foes will do an Aljon Mariano and have an easy layup inside the paint. Gotta toughen up inside, Vince.

The biggest question is – if they were historic last year, they have to be resilient and resourceful if they want to pull off the incredible this season.

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Coming up in Part Two of our UAAP Season 76 Men's Basketball preview: La Salle and FEU.

Adrien Semblat, Kim Atienza & Isabelle Daza on their triathlon training and their personal lives

Adrien Semblat, Kim Atienza & Isabelle Daza on their triathlon training and their personal lives

by rick olivares, stu balmaceda, and yu murayama

There are two challenges when it comes to triathlon – the grueling race itself and finding the time to train with everyone’s day jobs.

We caught up with footballer Adrien Semblat who currently plays for Nomads (and once suited up for Kaya) at the 5150 triathlon at Subic Bay. The Frenchman, who works for adidas during the day, said that he took up triathlon one year ago because of his girlfriend Isabelle Daza. And now the two compete for Team Gotta (that also includes Kim Atienza).

Triathlon is something that Semblat always wanted to do but he’s still committed to football as he hopes to suit up for Nomads by the next cup.

“It’s difficult trying to juggle work, sports, and being in a relationship,” he confided. “But I am young and I find the energy to do so.”

Atienza believes that it’s all about time management and the will to do so. Aside from his ABS-CBN shows Showtime, TV Patrol, and Matanglawin, the eldest son of the former Manila mayor also has time to spend with his wife and children not to mention train for triathlon.

“It’s not too difficult,” he enthused. “You just have to know what you can do and what you cannot do.” The call time for Showtime is at 11:30am so he has the whole morning from 6:00am-11:30am for training or family time. At night, it’s more or less the same. Right after informing us about the country’s weather condition in TV Patrol, he heads home to his family or he could go on for another round of training. And just so we all know, those hours of training are sufficient enough to prepare a triathlete for an excruciating full Ironman triathlon course.

Isabelle Daza on the other hand says that rest and sleep are just as crucial. “I sleep really early and wake up really early to train.” Then the daughter of former Ms. Universe Gloria Diaz heads for GMA to host Eat Bulaga. For triathlon events, she knows she’s not going to finish on anywhere near the Top 20 leaders. Her goals are quite simple –to finish and to break three hours and thirty minutes. “Maybe,” she concluded with a smile.