Post by LJ on Jul 8, 2006 9:28:44 GMT -5
Host UE, Ateneo go for opening win as 69th UAAP season kicks off today
By Josef Ramos
HOST University of the East and title-hungry Ateneo De Manila U gun for an opening win against respective rival as the 69th Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball unfurls today at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors battle the Adamson Falcons in first game at 2:00pm right after the opening ceremony to be graced by former senator Robert Jaworski at 1:00pm. The Blue Eagles and the National U Bulldogs collide at 4:00pm in second game.
The host school, under the tutelage of ex-pro Dindo Pumaren, is raring to start its title quest on a high note but Adamson U's newly formed coaching system, led by Rain or Shine mentor Leo Austria, remains a threat in its campaign.
"I have a big respect on Leo Austria. He is known as a champion-type caliber coach from the amateur and pro ranks, so it is very hard to ignore our first game. We should play our usual game against them," said the younger Pumaren.
"Adamson is an intact line up composed of veteran players while our team is made up of young players, including our six rookies. This team finished dead last season so we're expecting to fight back. We have to be matured in competing against them," he added.
Austria, who replaced one-year coach Mel Alas after a disappointing performance last season, tries to bring his winning act in the opening day for the San Marcelino dribblers. "We'll try to do our best, but I know it won't be easy for us," he said.
"The only advantage we have is our intact line up. I'm hoping my instructions will remain on their minds during game proper," added Austria, who relies on hulking Kenneth Bono and veterans Marc Agustin, Leo Canuday and Patrick Cabahug.
The Red Warriors, on the other hand, banners the twosome combination of Mark Burboran and Bon-bon Custodio, hotshot James Martinez, Marcy Arellano, Jorel Canizares and defensive specialist Elmer Espiritu.
Rookies 6'4 Hans Thiele, who played for Philippine School of Business Administration, 6'3 Lawrence Briones, Raffy Reyes and 6'3 Barry Llagas and Zamboanga City's Jun Bandhaying and Rudy Linganay are also prepare to show what they got in their debut.
Coach Norman Black of Ateneo is ready to utilize do-it-all forward JC Intal, hardworking 6'4 Doug Kramer, Zion Laterre and Kenneth Barracoso, when they clash with Edwin Asoro-led National University lately.
By Josef Ramos
HOST University of the East and title-hungry Ateneo De Manila U gun for an opening win against respective rival as the 69th Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball unfurls today at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors battle the Adamson Falcons in first game at 2:00pm right after the opening ceremony to be graced by former senator Robert Jaworski at 1:00pm. The Blue Eagles and the National U Bulldogs collide at 4:00pm in second game.
The host school, under the tutelage of ex-pro Dindo Pumaren, is raring to start its title quest on a high note but Adamson U's newly formed coaching system, led by Rain or Shine mentor Leo Austria, remains a threat in its campaign.
"I have a big respect on Leo Austria. He is known as a champion-type caliber coach from the amateur and pro ranks, so it is very hard to ignore our first game. We should play our usual game against them," said the younger Pumaren.
"Adamson is an intact line up composed of veteran players while our team is made up of young players, including our six rookies. This team finished dead last season so we're expecting to fight back. We have to be matured in competing against them," he added.
Austria, who replaced one-year coach Mel Alas after a disappointing performance last season, tries to bring his winning act in the opening day for the San Marcelino dribblers. "We'll try to do our best, but I know it won't be easy for us," he said.
"The only advantage we have is our intact line up. I'm hoping my instructions will remain on their minds during game proper," added Austria, who relies on hulking Kenneth Bono and veterans Marc Agustin, Leo Canuday and Patrick Cabahug.
The Red Warriors, on the other hand, banners the twosome combination of Mark Burboran and Bon-bon Custodio, hotshot James Martinez, Marcy Arellano, Jorel Canizares and defensive specialist Elmer Espiritu.
Rookies 6'4 Hans Thiele, who played for Philippine School of Business Administration, 6'3 Lawrence Briones, Raffy Reyes and 6'3 Barry Llagas and Zamboanga City's Jun Bandhaying and Rudy Linganay are also prepare to show what they got in their debut.
Coach Norman Black of Ateneo is ready to utilize do-it-all forward JC Intal, hardworking 6'4 Doug Kramer, Zion Laterre and Kenneth Barracoso, when they clash with Edwin Asoro-led National University lately.
