think rainbows

UAAP has finally started! We've seen all the teams play their first games, and today we're even going to witness the Ateneo-Lasalle match at 3 p.m. But before that, here's what I think of all the other teams so far.

I am no basketball or sports expert but I just want to give my own general opinion regarding the different teams. =D (So please wag niyo po akong awayin. Haha!)


Adamson has always been a contender. And with their first game against Ateneo, where they ALMOST WON, there's no doubt that every team will be preparing for them. They always have good pre-season reviews, and although always short for a stint in the finals, they still make it to the final four. The only problem that's always been said about them is their finishing kick. It's something that they lack, but is also something that's a work in progress. Their season 74 lineup is definitely something to watch out for. They've been known to pull off some big upsets as well, so it won't be surprising to see the Falcons in the Final Four once again.

Should I even include Ateneo here? Kidding. =P Three peat; going for their fourth. With the likes of Kiefer Ravena, Greg Slaughter, Kirk Long, Emman Monfort, and the rest of the Eagles, it'll be hard to stop this team. But, it's not impossible. And they're still human after all. Slaughter's debut in the UAAP was impressive, while Kiefer's is forgettable. But it's just a start. With a formidable team and a great mentor in Coach Norman Black, the Eagles might just break the "curse" that host schools don't win basketball championships. I was once a die hard Blue Eagle fan, and I know how good they could be. Final Four? No doubt. Finals? Most probably.

Let's face it, we all miss the DLSU squad when the likes of Cardona, Tang, Cortez, Yeo, and the others were there. There were those guys whom you could rely on during crunch times, and now, slowly but surely, DLSU is trying to get that back. They may not be at that level yet, but they've got their own now. They made the final four last season, and yes they could probably make it this year again. The once rookie/sophomore-laden squad has matured, and so we should see a more exciting and dangerous Animo squad. Although they lost to FEU in their first game, for sure they will bounce back. Look out for that Revilla kid, he's going to give his opponents a lot of heartbreaks.

If there's anyone who wants that 1st place finish so bad this year, it could just probably be the runner ups last year. They were so close, and yet so far that it just wasn't enough. But this year, the FEU Tamaraws are surely hoping for a different finish; a different story to how they ended last season. And what a way to start the season as they won their first game against the Archers. And who else would step up than the reigning MVP together with Smart Gilas-trained Aldrech Ramos. We'll see what they do as the season goes and how they face issues this season, under a different head coach.

This season is probably the start of a bright future for NU. Last season was a preview, this season is the real deal. If you've followed UAAP news, you'd know what I'm talking about. SM. Parks. =)) Although Mbe has done wonders for NU, they just reinforced their team more with Ray Parks. But as we've seen during their first game, they still have a lot more to learn. It was a sloppy play resulting to their first loss. If Mbe doesn't have enough support around him, then that's a problem. But if they all work well together, then that's  a threat.

Ah, the Red Warriors. In one article, they were placed last in the standings for this season. Last year they almost were, even if they had Acibar and Lee who are both not playing anymore. Although they've got a new coach, and new coaches seem to bring luck, there hasn't been much said regarding their team. They're probably in a rebuilding situation right now, and will pretty much have to do all the best that they can to match up to the other teams this season. And it showed. UP, last year's cellar dwellers just beat them, and with a large margin. Next, they're facing UST, who just beat NU. Jerry Codiñera has a lot of work to do.

The UP Fighting Maroons. Last year's cellar dwellers. 0-14. And that's about to change. They could just surprise everyone, and what do we know, they make create chaos for that last final four spot. I have yet to see a Mike Silungan-dominated game, although he did great during their first game. Mike Gamboa is someone to watch out for. The Maroons have strongly reinforced their team with new recruits. Forget about last year, a new season awaits.

As for the Tigers, this is the season for redemption. A new team, a new outlook, growling even louder. Everyone wants to be in the final four, and UST just wants it so bad. Abdul, Ferrer, Teng, Camus, Fortuna, Afuang, Pe, and the others. They're ready, they have to show what their really made of and unleash the real Tiger within. Learn from mistakes, and belive in their own selves. C'mon Tigers, we can do this. (See my UST post here.)

Good luck to all teams! We're in for an exciting season once again. There's so much to look forward to, and I can't wait for the rest of the games!

Go Tigers!